^^ U^JJMl^l ^J/UxOj,. 






Jf>^. I), I%^j2^ 



•J .1 

LETTERS OF MY ESTHER 



To 



IMY IVTOTHBR, 



BEGINNING WITH THOSE WRITTEN DURING THEIR ENGflGEflVENT. 



ExtPaets from His Journal, 

GIVING DESCRIPTION OF HIS WIFE AND OF HIMSELF 

ALSO, 

A PHRENOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF HIMSELF MADE BY 
PROF. CRANE. 

ARRANGED AND PUBLISHED BY 



HEXX J»dCCAI.L PERRY, N4. D. 

I 



Printed privately by Avil Printing Company, 

philadelphia. penna. 

1889. 




FMzaUytti. J. !?c 



■^ 



TO 



MY DEAR MOTHKR 



THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY 



lebicateb, 



IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE 



FIFTY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY 



OF HER MARRIAGE TO 



ISA^ FATHER. 





i^^^TvNNX'vJvVvXX 



prbka.ce:. 



The publication of this work (for private circulation 
only) has been suggested b}- reading the letters written by 
my father to my mother, beginning with those written dur- 
ing their engagement. 

A great deal has been published relating to lU}' father's 
public life, illustrating the exalted principles that governed 
him, and made him sacrifice self-interest and all his natu- 
ral and honorable aspirations for fame, honor and distinc- 
tion. Little did he then think that this self immolation 
for the good of his country would in after years give him 
more reputation than was acquired by his successful con- 
temporaries. His unique position, standing alone endeav- 
oring to prevent disunion which he knew would bring ruin 
and degradation upon South Carolina, has placed him upon 
a footing with, or perhaps higher than all of South Caro- 
lina's distinguished sons. He alone seemed to know the 
fatal results of secession, and though he would have died 
for his State he would not betray- her. When the ruin did 
come, instead of exulting in the fulfilment of his prophe- 
cies, he took part with his State and did all he could to 
relieve her. As Provisional Governor he was able to do 
much. He lived to see his political course approved by a 
large majority, and died at peace with all mankind, honored 
and respected by all who knew him. 

As in public, so was he in private life. His warm 
feelings were centred in his family; he loved his wife with 
a devotion never surpassed and which time only increased. 
This love his children also shared ; a more devoted hus- 
band and father never lived. 

The letters herein published prove my father's beauti- 
ful domestic character, and will be valued by his descend- 
ants, and considered a precious legacy for ages to come. 

Hext McCall Perry, M. D. 
Philadelphia, Pa., April 27th, iSSg. 



AN HUMBLE TRIBUTE. 



RefleetioDs at the Grave of Ex-Govepnor B. p. Peppy. 



Rest in the silent grave, noble, cherished friend, 
Thy honor, name and fame thy country will defend : 
All that is mortal here maj' perish and decay, 
But thy blest memory will never fade away. 

' The world is better that he lived " — oh, how true I 
Generations unborn thy precepts will re\'iew : 
In naming her statesmen, all standing side by side. 
The old Palmetto State will lisp thj' name with pride. 

Though affection may cease her visits to thj- tomb ; 
And this endearing spot become a scene of gloom ; 
These monuments of love may crumble to the ground. 
Still thy cherished name in story will be found. 

While the fame of statesmen in history shall stand, 
Posterity hold dear the noble and the grand ;5 
When South Carolina surveys her roll of fame. 
She will repeat with pride and emphasize thy name. 

His noble heart was large as was his manly form ; 
His friendship was sincere, affection pure and warm ; 
He did not seek to gain the multitude's applause. 
When duty called him to advocate a cause. 

Readj' to give aid to all those who were in need ; 
And to all in trouble he was a friend indeed : 
He was ever candid, a strauger to deceit : 
Oh ! it was a pleasure so kind a soul to greet ! 

Yes, I have seen him weep ! tears would instinctive start, 
When pit}''s trembling tones vibrated through his heart : 
His love and affection was lasting and sincere ; 
And the sweet joys of Home filled his heart with cheer. 

Oh ! I remember well, and cherish it with joy. 
When I was an orphan, an humble printer boy ; 
Often in his ofEce, where duty bade me go, 
I recall his kindness near sixty years ago. 

He loved his country, her honor and her name ; 
His time and his talents were given to her fame : 
Faithful to his duties, when wanted, always there : 
Well may the country ask — Who now can fill his chair ? 
June, iSSg. — Robt. McKay. 



ERRATA. 



Page 13, for Millichamps, read Mellichamps, 

" 13, 8S. for Sims, read Simms. 

" 14, for Mrs. Edding, read Mrs. Eddings. 

" 16, 49, for Haynes, read Haj^ne's. 

" 24, 41, 42, for Miss Sloane, read Sloan. 

" 24, 26, for Pereneau, read Perroneau. 

27, for P. B. Duncan, read R. B. Duncan. 

" 32, for M., read Mr. 

" 33, for Duffie, read McDufEe. 

" 38, for Miss Susan, read Miss Sloan. 

" 40, for Conova, read Canova. 

' 42, for Merrick, read Maverick. 

" 52, for Mrs Towns, read Mrs Jones. 

" 57, for Bush, read Burt. 

" 64, for W. Huger, read J. Huger. 

" 66, for Col. Harper, read Col. Harlee. 

" 69, 73, 123, for Judge O'Neil, read Judge O'Neall. 
" 72, for Desaussau, read Desaussure. 

" 77, for Findly, read Fiuley. 

" 78, for Mr. Wardlau, read Mrs. Wardlau. 

" 79, for Savage Heywood, read Savage Heyward. 

" So, 82, for Col. Dunton, read Col. Dunham. 

'■ 83, for Toors, read Joors. 

" 87, 93, 95, lot, 102, 109, for Aunt Benton, read Aunt Bruton. 

" 88, forjudge Hayne, read Judge Huger. 

" 90, for Ravenel, read Russel. 

" 91, 92, 94, for Mr. Cunningham, read John Cunningham. 

" 96, 104, for Col. Dovie, read Col. Davie. 
" 99, for Governor Memminger, read Gov. Henigan. 

" 99, for George Williamson, read George Williman. 

" 99, for Huston, read Hutson. 

" 100, 102, for Gadsen, read Gadsden. 

" 102, for Cousin Martin, read Cousin Hutson, 

" 104, for Col. Simonson, read Col. Simonton. 

" 104, for Symons, read Simons. 

■' 112, 114, 122, 133, 135, 137, 138, for Anne, read Anna. 

" 112, 130 for Mr. Mayront, read Mayrant. 

" 114, for Blouding, read Blanding. 

" n8, for Billing's, read Boiling's. 

" iiS, for Latimore, read Latimer. 

" 122, for Rosser, read Roper. 

" 130, for Dr. Hoke, read Col. Hoke. 

" 133, for Dunton, read Dunham. 

" 136, for Banard, read Barnard. 

" 137, for McGowen, read McGowan. 

" 139, for Maylin, read Maybin. 

" 140, for Nonel's, read Nowel's. 



^ 




;^^^^ 



LBTTERS OK 



BBNJAMIN F. PERRY 



TO HIS WIKE 



Elizabeth IVEcCall. 



Greenville C. H., November 4th, 1836. 

My Dear Elizabeth : — I returned from Laurens Court, two daj's sooner 
than I intended, for the purpose of writing to j^ou, at Edgefield, by your 
cousin. Major Hayne — expecting that he would leave here on Thursday. 
I hope you will not be displeased, although you maj' receive tliis, my 
first letter to you, some few days sooner than you anticipated. Next to 
seeing you, being with you and catching the soft melody of your words 
as they fell from those hallowed lips, will be the pleasure of writing to 
and receiving letters from you. This is m}- only consolation during the 
six ensuing long, verj' long weeks. 

I have often, my dearest, parted with intimate bosom friends, near 
and dear relations, but I never felt the deep anguish of a separation until 
I parted with j'ou on the banks of the Saluda — for I never before had bid 
" farewell " to one whom I loved so fondly, so pa.ssionately, and in whose 
existence were centred all ni}' hopes of pleasure and happiness in this 
world. That sadness of heart which mj- last lingering look at 3'ou inspired, 
as you departed from me, still casts a thick dark gloom over my feelings. 
Neither the pleasures of society nor the fatigues of business have been 
able to dissipate my melancholy. But when I recollect the words which 
you whispered me as we were crossing the river, I feel cheered, and my 



6 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

spirits for the moment seem to revive. Methinks I can almost hear, even 
now, that low, soft, sweet tone in which they were uttered—" Doubt me 
not." " The proof you require I will give you the next time we meet." 
No, my darling, I will not, I cannot "doubt" you— and oh that 
" proof? " How eager will I claim it " when we meet again." It ought 
to have been given when we parted, and that little heart of yours told j-ou 
it was unkind to refuse. But I forgive you the damages and will claim 
the proof in December, the debt and interest. 

Strange as it may at first appear, Greenville though dreary and lonely, 
has peculiar charms for me at this time, and I scarcely ever returned to 
the village with more eagerness than I did the other day. Almost everj' 
thing I see in this place reminds me of you ; the houses, river, churches, 
and even streets, have their pleasing associations. It was in the drawing 
room of the Mansion House that I first made your acquaintance — the very 
spot where you stood is now in my mind's eye. How many pleasant 
evenings have we spent there I It was in that room I first heard your 
guitar and the still sweeter music of your song. When I see the steeple 
of our church, rising, as it were, amidst the forest trees, I am reminded 
that it was in returning from that sacred Temple of the ever-living God 
that I first told my love. I may almost say that I imbibed from the ser- 
mon which I that morning heard, courage enough to make the confession. 
But no place fills my heart with more delightful emotions than the 
"IReedy Falls." It was on that high cliff, of a lovely moonlight night, 
that I first felt that I loved you. It was, as you may remember, the eve- 
ning of my introduction to you. We stood face to face on the rock, listen- 
ing to the music of the guitar mingling its soft sounds with the dashing 
waters beneath. I gazed at your features, and traced in their .soft, lovely 
expression the sweetness and. innocence of your .soul. I thought to myself 
that there never was a human face which bore so close a resemblance to 
an angel from Heaven. From that moment I felt that I loved you, and I 
determined to humble my proud heart at your feet. 

But there is too much of this matter to speak of it in a letter. I have 
already told you and confessed to you every thing connected with my 
affections for you. I must wait until I see you before I repeat them. I 
shall send you by Major Hayne a handsome gold watch, which I beg of 
you to wear with the chain I presented you in Greenville. I am sure you 
will value the gift more on account of the giver than for its own intrinsic 
value. Wear it for my sake. The lock of hair and llie chain you gave 
me shall never be separated from my person. 

I have much, very nuich to write you, but have not room without 
troubling you with another sheet of paper. Do write to me, my dear 



To Hlizabp;th McCall. 7 

Lizzy, the day after you receive this letter. You cannot imagine the 
impatieiice and anxiety with which I shall expect an answer. I beseech 
you by the love you bear me to write immediatel)'. 

Give my love to your mother and sisters. I will see you on the 
twenty-third of December — "when we meet again," remember. Fare- 
well, dearest, sweet lovely girl, farewell. 

Your sincere lover, 

B. F. Perry. 



Greenville C. H., November 6th, 1836. 

My Dear Lizzy . — -I am afraid you will find me a troublesome cor- 
respondent. I may write you too frequently. If so, I can only plead in 
extenuation the ardor of my affections. Writing to you is the only plea- 
sure now within my reach, and I will not forego it until reproved by you. 
I wrote you, two or three days since, a letter enveloped to your mother, 
addressed to the care of Mrs. Simpkins, which I hope you have received. 
If there had been time for you to have written me an answer, I should 
accuse you of coldness and negligence. But, as it is, I am cheering my- 
self with the hope of receiving a letter from you in due time. You must 
not disappoint me. The impatience of a lover is, as you know, proverbial. 

I say it to you, my dear Lizzy, in the honest frankness and sincerity 
of my heart, which I am sure you will not doubt, that scarcely fifteen 
minutes have passed by since we parted in which you were not present in 
my thoughts. Even in sleep the pleasing semblance of 3'ou recurs to my 
dreams, giving them an interest and a charm which my present waking 
moments cannot afford. But oh, how imbittering when the delusion has 
passed away, and I find " 'tis all a dream." 

You will perceive from this and my first letter that in addressing 
you I have adopted the familiar abbreviation of your name, which your 
mother seemed to think sounded sweeter and softer than Elizabeth. I 
think so, too, when it is not preceded by the formal " Miss." In my cor- 
respondence with you that formal word must be thrown aside. But when 
it is used the abbreviation does not sound well. I have said this much 
in explanation, because I recollect you requested me not to change my 
manner of addressing you — as I did not first call you ' ' Lizzy ' ' you did 
not desire me to do so now. You do not know, nor can you imagine the 
anxiety with which I look forward to the time when I may most appro- 
priately use this dear familiar term of addressing you. I regret deeply 



8 Leti'ers of Benjamin F. Perry 

and sorrowfully that the time is so distant. It ought to have been, it 
ought yet to be, sooner than was first suggested b\- your mother. I yielded 
everything to her because I was afraid to make any objection. 

But we shall meet in December, when all these matters are to be 
arranged. In the ardor atid warmth of my feelings I have regarded them 
made. There may yet be some formality to be complied with in regard 
to our engagement. But my heart, my love, the burning passion of mj' 
soul tells me that in the eyes of Heaven we are engaged in thought, feel- 
ing and affection ; and sooner, much sooner would I have the thread of 
my life severed than for our engagement to be in the least weakened or 
impaired. My dreams of bliss in the future are bright, and all to be 
realized under that engagement. I have felt, from our first acquaintance, 
a consciousness that we were intended for each other's happiness. I 
never before saw any one whom I thought so well calculated to make me 
happy. I never before saw one for whose happiness I was so willing and 
so readj- to make any and every sacrifice. 

You must not, my dear love, accuse me of romantic or extravagant 
notions. I have not, at any period of my life, been given to romance or 
extravagance. I never have, from my infancy, indulged in visions and 
delusions. On the contrary, I have always correctly anticipated the 
future. Misfortunes and difficulties never came upon me unawares. It 
has been my fate to have dangers and misfortunes thicken around me. 
But although I could not prevent them, I have always foreseen and been 
prepared to meet them. That presentiment which never deserts me now 
assures me of a bright, blissful future. 

I must conclude my letter. To-day is the Sabbath. I recollected 
this morning that I jiromised you to write my first letter to you this day. 
I have my second. I have done so instead of going to church. Have you 
kept your promises with me ? Do you look upon the setting sun so that 
our eyes may once every day rest on the same object ? Farewell — maj' 
the mercies of Heaven rest upon j'ou — farewell, my darling. 

Your lover, 

B. F. Perry. 



To EUZABETH McCalL. 9 

Greenvii,LE C. H., November 12th, 1836. 

My Dear Lizzy : — I had the gratification, last night, of receiving a 
letter from Major Hayne, which informed me that you were well and 
would leave Edgefield that day for Charleston. It gave me great plea- 
sure to hear from you, and especially that you were in health, and under 
no apprehension of cholera on returning to town. But how much more 
gratifying would it have been to have received a letter from you yourself, 
written by your own hand and dictated by your own heart 1 I find, how- 
ever, that my feelings are very much inclined to plead in extenuation of 
your silence that it was not convenient for }'ou to write, or, that you had 
not time to do so after the reception of my letter. That love which I bear 
you assures me that you are incapable of an intentional wrong, or an act 
of cold negligence towards me. 

The letter, which was inclosed to me, from your mother, addressed 
to Mr. William Hayne, I have forwarded to him in an envelope to Colo- 
nel Cunningham. I have no doubt it will reach him before he leaves 
Laurens. Indeed, I should not be surprised if he were to spend the Winter 
at Rosemout. His prospect of success must be flattering, and if so, 
what charms have the fascinations of a city for him, a young man in love, 
and enjoying the society of her whom he loves ? None, none, I would 
not, for myself, exchange one hour spent in j^our company, seated by you 
as I was the day we parted, two weeks since, for an existence of years 
amidst the vain show, pomp and hollowness of fashionable life. Oh ! 
Lizzy, you do not know how often that ride occurs to my imagination ! 
You do not know how often I think of all and every word that passed 
between us, those two days, the happiest of my life ! And the only thing 
which mars the pleasure their remembrance brings to my mind is that they 
were the last days we spent together. 

I shall start on the 24th inst. for Columbia, and it will even afford 
me some plea.sure to know that I am on the road to see you, although I 
have to make an unwilling stay of three or four weeks in Columbia. Here- 
tofore the time I .spent every Fall in Columbia was full of interest and 
pleasure to me, and until I saw you I had anticipated a more pleasant 
visit to the Legislature and the Court of Appeals than usual. If I should 
neglect the interests of my constituents, or the business of my clients this 
Winter, you must bear the blame, as you will be the innocent cause of it. 

I saw your friend, Mr. Edward Croft, this morning, who inquired about 
you and your mother. Mr. Croft has pretty nearly recovered from that 
terrible accident which his gallantry brought upon him. Mrs. Croft is 
quite well. They will start to Charleston in a week or ten days. Our 
special friends, the old maids of the Mansion House, are still here, and I 



lo Letters of Benjamin F. Perrv 

have been thinking what great sin I have committed that Providence 
.slioukl thus punish me alone with the company of such people. I have the 
consolation of understanding that they will not return to Greenville next 
Summer. 

In an excursion which I made into the country yesterday I passed 
immediately by tlie basis of Paris Mountain and saw where we ascended 
the mountain together, and I travelled over the same road over which we 
passed in going to the moiuitaiu. I looked at the Bald Rock with more 
interest than it ever inspired me before. 

This is the third letter I have written you. I hope to hear from you 
to-morrow evening. I trust you do not think mj' letters unworth)' of an 
an.swer. They are liadly written, I know, and whilst writing I am fre- 
quently interrupted bj' unwelcome visitors. You must excuse me. I am 
an awkward hand in writing love letters. It is what I have heretofore had 
very little practice in, I assure you. But if I continue as I have com- 
menced I shall soon have a great deal of experience. 

Good-night, my dearest. After drawing a long answer in equity this 
evening, I have stolen an hour from sleep to write j'ou — God bless j^ou — 
farewell. Ever yours, 

B. F. Perry. 



Greenville C. H., November 20th, 1-836. 

J\fv Dear Lizzy : — I had the jileasure of receiving your first letter to 
me the other evening, and I am unable to express the gratification which 
it afforded me. I have read it over a dozen times, and should j'ou not 
write me again very shortly, there will be great danger of my wearing it 
literally out in reading it o\er. No .sooner had my eye caught the super- 
scription, among many other letters, which were handed me at the same 
time, than mj- heart felt assured of the correspondent. I kissed the seal 
with fervent lips, when I saw it was a wafer and fondly imagined it had 
been pressed by yours. 

My dear Lizzy, I thank you kindly for the letter. It came in time 
to .soothe my eager anxiety, and I receive it as another assurance of your 
love. You need not apologize to me for the style of your letters. I shall 
always read them as a lover and not as a critic, and I hope you will re- 
ceive mine with the same feeling. Love letters should never be criticised, 
for they flow as it were from the heart and are alwa>s written without 
regard to rule or style. Nor are they ever criticised by the parties inter- 



To Elizabeth McCall. h 

ested, and others have no business with them. If it were requisite for 
either of us to apologize for our correspondence, I ought to do so and not 
j'ou. Ladies have always excelled in epistolary writing, and "novice" 
as you may be, in the "kind of letter" j-ou so coyly mention, your 
"style " and " penmanship " are above criticism when I alone am to be 
the judge. However, the letter you sent me had one fault, and that is 
a very serious one — it was too short. I hope I am not to judge of the 
extent of your feelings by the length of your letter. If so, and we are 
both to be judged by the same rule, my love must be thrice as great as 
yours — yes, three times three, for I write you letters three times as long 
as yours, and send you three for one ! 

You seem to think that I have the advantage of you in this " kind " 
of letter writing, for you " can scarcely believe that " I "have not before 
written on the subject of love. ' ' Do you, my dear Lizzy, think it strange 
that a heart which has hitherto been callous to love, should have fallen a 
victim at the shrine of your beauty, your loveliness, and the amiable and 
bewitching charms and accomplishments of your heart and mind ? If you 
were as conscious of your own power and influence as I am, you would 
not think so. Never before did I see one in whose maimers, person, mind 
and accomplishments I could find no fault. I had seen others whom I 
admired for some particular trait in their character, but I always imag- 
ined there was some deficiency, some want of that perfection which my 
heart so fondly and so confidently gives to you. I may almost say, my 
darling, that I am a novice in love as well as in love letters. In my 
youth, when a boy, I preferred books to company. This preference I 
cherished, and as I grew up I became almost wedded to my studies and 
profession. It has taken you and you alone to break this spell. 

But you must not suppose from this that I possess a cold or unfeeling 
heart. I am sure I have given you too many evidences to the contrary. 
No, Lizzy, if there be a fault in my nature — and I know I have many— it 
is that I am too .sensitive, too ardent and too impetuous in my feelings and 
disposition. I have frequently thought that I was the creature of feeling 
alone. I am certain that I have often been rendered unnecessarily un- 
happy through excess of feeling. And I am sure that if I have a .settled 
unkind feeling towards any human being I know it not. 

To-day, you may recollect my telling you would be ni}- birthday. 
Yours you would not disclose to me, but promised to write me on its next 
anniversarj-. I wish it were to-morrow so that I might receive j-our 
letter in three or four days. You must not forget your promise. I have 
done more than I promised, and even more than you asked ! It is true I 



12 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

am to-day thirty-one and unfortunately there is no merit in the confession, 
for the fact was known to you l:)efore. 

I have written you to-day because I could no longer postpone an- 
swering your letter. But it is a most miserable day. The rain has been 
falling incessantly for twenty-four hours and the weather cold. There is 
nothing in the prospect out of doors to inspire love or give encouragement 
to such feelings. But notwithstanding all this, I have written a good deal 
about it and felt far more than I have written. 

I hope, my sweet Lizzy, that you will write me as soon as I reach 
Columbia, and in the mean time I expect to receive a letter from you before 
I start, in answer to my third one to 5^ou. 

Give mj- love to your mother, and remember me to Mi.ss Susan and 
Miss Anne — and believe me to be in love and affection unalterably yours, 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, S. C, November 27th, 1836. 

My Dear Lizzy : — I arrived here on Friday evening, and I now^ have 
the gratification of knowing that I am only one day's journey from you — 
but it grieves me to think that, although so near, several weeks must 
necessarily pass by before I shall have the pleasure of seeing you, and 
claiming from you that "proof" which you promised me "when we meet 
again." I most earnestly hope, however, that our session will be a short 
one, and as .soon as it is over we shall meet again. And oh ! how fondl}' 
could I wi.sh that we were going to meet to part no more. It ought to be 
so. It would fill my heart with joy inexpressible to think it might even 
yet be so. Why .should it not be? Where is the necessity of post- 
poning these matters so long ? Why .should bli.ss be deferred for the 
anguish of another separation ? But I fear that I reason in vain, and 
that all my appeals will be heeded not. 

I did hope, my darling, to have received a letter from you, on ni}^ 
arrival in this place, but I have been disappointed. If you only knew my 
anxiety to hear from you again, and were to think of the pleasure your 
letters afiford me, I am sure >ou would ha\e written me. I know that a 
letter from you would have given me better spirits than I have had since 
my arrival in Columbia, it would have kept me in a better and more 
pleasant mood than I have been in, annoyed as I am by a horde of solici- 
tous candidates for various petty offices within the gift of the lyCgislature. 
Their applications are generally worrying enough in all conscience, but 



|LUJ>U/Uij 



To EUZABKTH McCai.I.. I3 

nevertheless they are sometimes (luite amusing. One is a poor man who 
has had his barn, stable or kitchen burnt, or he has lost a horse, or per- 
chance he is too lazy to work, or some other similar dire misfortune has 
befallen him, and he wishes to be elected tax collector of a certain parish or 
district. Another is an old man, and it is his misfortune to l>e a little 
pressed with " hard times," and he thinks that he is as much entitled to 
an office as any one, and knowing that some one has to be elected, he has 
thought proper to present his claim. There is a third, perhaps a young 
man who wi.shes to bring himself into notice in some way, and having 
hitherto been unfortunate in all of his efforts to do so, he is desirous of 
being elected Clerk of the Hon. c of Representatives. 

But I have almo.st forgotten what "kind of letter " I am writing. 
You can feel no interest in such matters, however annoying they may be 
to me, and I knew my descriptions of such things can amuse you but 
little. I believe you profess to be a "novice" in politics as well as in 
something else which you alluded to in your letter—though I discovered 
from your conversations on our way from Greenville to the Saluda, that 
you knew more of party politics than you had previously acknowledged. 
Ladies always affect to know nothing about politics and say that they 
take no interest in such matters. But I have often found that they knew 
a good deal, and that they felt a deep interest in the daily occurrences of 
the times. I recollect that during the high and bitter political excitement 
which has just past over, some of my fiercest opponents and staunchest 
friends were of your sex. I do not know, however, that any of them 
went .so far either for me or against me, as a beautiful English countess did 
for Charles Fox in his Middlesex election. It is said of a noble lady of 
distinguished beauty, on that occasion, that she went in person to the 
meetings to electioneer for Fox, and that when all other means of bribery 
failed, she gained one vote from a country rustic by giving him a ki.ss for 
his vote. He told her this was the only condition on which he could 
change his vote, and rather than lo.se the vote she gave the kiss. 

I have just been glancing over Sims' last novel " Millichamps," I am 
sorry that your townsman and a member of my party .should be losing 
ground as a novel writer. The .story is quite ordinary, and everything 
about the work is equally so. I have thrown it aside to write to you, and 
I am sure there is no comparison between the pleasure I take in writing to 
you, and the interest which " Millichamps" afforded me. How eagerly I 
look forward to that day, when we may read together and to one another 
the new novels and literar>- works as they make their appearance. Before 
I left Greenville, I saw marked out the foundation of my house, and before 
the first of May the building is to be completed. I have greatly enlarged 



14 Letters ok Benjamin F. Perry 

the original plan which I mentioned to )-ou. This I did for appearance 
as well as convenience. It shall be the very picture of a beautiful house. 
The roof shall, however, be painted green in obedience to the injunction 
of Mrs. Edding, made to 30U as well as to me. 

Do, my dear Lizzy, write me immediately. My love for you is ever 
pleading some excuse for your silence, but I am afraid it can no longer 
invent excuses for you. It may not be in my power to write you 
again for .some time. 

Remember me kindly to your sister, and believe me to be your sincere 
and devoted lover. B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, December 4th, 1836. 

My Dear Lizsy . — It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the 
reception of another letter from you. I received it on Thursday last, and 
had for several days been most anxiously expecting it. I am very sorry 
that the weather was so cold as to prevent your writing a longer letter. 
But how mxich gratified was I, my darling, to know that although your 
hands were cold, your heart was not. If your letter had contained nothing 
but this single expression, it would still have been to me above all value 
and all price. 

You say that after j-ou have practiced letter WTiting more, j'ou know 
that you will like it. I hope then that you will practice and write me 
every day. I am sure that it will always give a thousand times more 
plessure to receive your letters than it can ever afford j'ou to write them. 
You must not feel under any restraint in writing to me, as you can write 
with more ease to me than to anyone else. I think j'ou ought to be 
under less restraint in communicating your feelings and sentiments to me 
than to anj' other person. You should write to me and talk to me as you 
would to yourself. It does not require, dearest love, any "effort" on 
your part to appear to advantage in my estimation. To me you are 
everything that I could wish or desire. No " effort " of yours can make 
you dearer to me, or more lovely in my sight. And j-ou must write to 
me as if your letters were never to be seen by any one else than yourself. 
But whether you make an "effort'' or not, you never can "fail" to 
appear to " advantage" before me. 

You intimate in your letter that I ought not to expect you to write 
me every day, and that when you do not write I ought to take it for 



To EWZABETH McCALL. 15 

granted " that everything remains in the same state as when we parted.'' 
No, Lizzy, you ought to write to me everj- day— and I hope it will be as 
you suppose — the more you practice writing the better you will like it. 

I believe that three of my last letters to you have been written on 
Sunday, and I begin to fear you will think that I never go to church. 
But evten if I did not, and were always to spend the day in writing to you, 
I am certain it would always be well spent, innocently spent and lov- 
.ingly spent. I have, however, been to church to-day. I went to the 
Episcopal Church with our mutual friend Laurens Toomer. Mi.ss Sim- 
kins was in church, and as she passed by us to her carriage, Mr. Toomer 
bowed and she returned the salutation. But that was all that passed 
between them. 

To-morrow is commencement in College. The members of the Legis- 
lature have accepted an invitation to attend it. I will see there all the 
beauty and fashion of Columbia and its visitors, but they will be seen 
without exciting any interest with me. It seems that 1 have less inclina- 
tion for society than I ever had. You are to me the world, and its society 
without you is dull and insipid. I was invited to a wedding party the 
other night at Mr. Stark's, but did not attend. The gaiety of Columbia 
is just commencing. How heartily I wi.sh it was over, and with it the 
adjournment of the Legislature, so that I might be with you. 

In consequence of having to attend on committees of nights, I have 
caught a severe cold and am rather indisposed. Tuesday next we are to 
take up a report of the Judiciary Committee on the subject of Texas, and 
I suppose will have some discussion. It may be, if I am well enough, that 
I will join in the discussion. 

I have written you in great haste, and I know that if I did not write 
to-day I should not have time to do so for several days. Give my love to 
your mother and sisters. You say it is reported throughout Charleston 
that you are engaged, but that you have not thrown any light on the sub- 
ject. I suppose mj- visit to town may. 

Your lover, B. F. Pkrkv. 



i6 lyETTERS OF Benjamin F. Perry 

Columbia, December 12th, 1836. 

My Dear Lizzy : — I write you this evening in a great hurry and have 
but very little to communicate except that I have engaged ray passage to 
Charleston on the 21st inst., and shall certainly see you on Friday morn- 
ing the 23d inst. I shall leave here whether the Legislature adjourns or 
not. If I am not mistaken I wrote you some time since that I would see 
you on the 23d of December, and you perceive that I am disposed to be 
very punctual. 

I had the pleasure of seeing your uncle General Hayne the other day 
and again this morning, and I wished to make some inquiries about 
you and your mother and family, but I felt rather too timid to do so. Nor 
did I know whether he had ever heard any thing as to the relation in 
which we stand towards each other. 

I received Mr. W. C. Hayne' s letter the other day. He wrote me 
that he was in good health and good spirits, and I suppose had met with 
good success. 

This day our new Governor was inaugurated, and made his speech 
amidst a crowded House and encircled by a gallery of beauty and fash- 
ion. And by the by, I mu.st inform you that I have made two or three 
speeches to the Hou.se whilst the galleries were filled with ladies, and I 
saw one with a quizzing glass looking at me very earnestly, more than 
once. I do not know who she was and did not inquire, so little do I 
care for the smiles of any one but yourself. To-morrow we have a "great 
debate" on a Bill introduced by myself to blend the Courts of Law and 
Equity. Mr. Pettigru has moved that the Bill be referred to the Commit- 
tee of the whole House, and a motion of this character generally draws a 
crowded gallery. I shall be ojijiosed in debate by Mr. Pettigru and the 
Charleston Bar. It will be ])reUy mucli a contest between the lawyers in 
the upper and lower county. 

There was a jjroposition before the Hou.se to-day to remove the seat 
of government to Charleston. I thought how happ\- 1 should be if it were 
there now and I could see you looking down from the gallery on me ? The 
motion produced some discussion in which I took a part. 

I declined an invitation to a dinner party at Colonel McCord's on 
yesterday for the purpose of writing to you, expecting that I should then 
have leisure. But I was disappointed, atid company prevented me alto- 
gether from writing. To-night, after l)eing all day in the Legislature, I 
have had to attend a Committee, and have not long since returned. I men- 
tion these things by way of excuse for this hastily written letter. Though 
I have not a moment's leisure yet I write you every week. 



To Elizabeth McCall. 17 

Tell your mother that I will certainly not make any purchase for her 
in Greenville till I see her. But I hope she is not less inclined towards 
Greenville than she was in the fall. 

Accept my prayers and wishes for you, and believe me your sincere 
and devoted lover — and alwa3's remember me to your mother, Miss Susan 
and Miss Anne. 

B. F. Perry. 



CoLtTMBiA, December 15th, 1836. 

My Dear Lizzy : — I received jour letter this morning on m^- way to 
the State House and was very much distressed to hear of 5fOur indisposi- 
tion. Your mother writes me that you have a very bad cold, and are 
confined to your room, but that I need not be imder an}- apprehensions. 
I hope you have recovered before this time, and that the very pleasant 
change we have had in the weather may have a salutary influence on your 
illness. It is now ten o'clock in the night, and this is the first leisure 
moment I have had since I received jour letter. I now write you merely 
to beg that you will let me know if you 1)ecome seriously indisposed and 
I will leave everything here and fly to you. I .shall be exceedingly anx- 
ious to hear from you again, and I hope you will write me immediatelj'. 
Although I am assured that you are not seriously ill, yet it gives me 
great pain to hear that 3'ou are uncomfortable and distressed (as I know 
you must be from your own and your mother's letter) with a violent cold. 
I have one myself, and had when I wrote you last, but am much better. 

I shall be in Charleston on the night of the 22d if no accident hap- 
pens to the stage and railroad cars. The Legislature will adjourn on the 
2ist. The greater part of my business in the Court of Appeals will have 
to remain untouched. Nothing but some unforeseen accident will pre- 
vent me being at Stewart's Hotel on Thursday night. If I should hear 
of your increased illness I will be there sooner. And I entreat your 
mother to write me if such should be the case. You cannot imagine 
my anxiety and impatience as the Session draws to a close. Wliilst 
discussions are going on in the House, and even whilst I am actually en- 
gaged in .speaking, I am often thinking of you and counting as it were 
the hours that must pass away before I shall have the pleasure of seeing 
you. 

We have had quite a pleasant session and some interesting debates, 
in which I have, for the last four or five daji^s, taken an active part. In 



i8 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

the proposed alteration of the Judiciary I maintained quite a prominent 
stand altliough defeated in the measures I advocated. To-day we had an 
animated discussion on the propriety of giving^ the election of Tax Collec- 
tors to the people, in which I was successful and had the pleasure of hear- 
ing some of the members say that it was owing to my speech that the 
proposed change was successful. 

But I am forgetting that I am writing anj- thing else than a political 
letter. You once promised me, however, that you would always here- 
after take an interest in the Union Party whenever anything was said in 
which they were concerned. And I hope therefore you will feel .some in- 
terest in my first effort in legislation. We are visited everj- day bj' ladies, 
and oh ! how delightful it would be if j-ou were here to be one of the 
number. 

Give my love to -your mother and say to her that I am very much 
obliged to her for the letter she wrote me and which I received this morn- 
ing. I would have written to her in rcjjly but it gives nie more pleasure 
to write to you, and I can write to you with more ease and facilitj'. 

In haste. Good-night. God ble.ss you, may j'ou .soon recover, is my 
sincere prayer. Yours truly, 

B. F. Perry. 



CoiaTMiiiA, December i8th, 1836. 

My Dear Lizzy . — I received your letter this morning and was happy 
to hear that you had almost recovered from your indisposition. I have 
not only been " uneasy " since I received your mother's letter, informing 
me of your illne.ss, but I have been greatly distressed. It made me verj- 
unhappy to know that you were in any way indi.sposed, but I was fearful 
that your cold might be worse than your mother anticipated. Slight 
colds are verj- often the cause of serious illness. 

I most heartily unite with you, my dear Lizzy, in the hope that you 
will be well enough to give me a welcome on Thursday evening. Your 
kind request that I will see you the same evening I arrive in Charleston 
cannot be refused by me if it is possible for me to do so. I agree with 
you in thinking the evening more pleasant and more .sociable for a meet- 
ing after an aksence than the morning. But I was afraid that the lateness 
of the hour of my arrival in town, together with the fatigue of travelling 
all night without sleep would prevent my calling on Thursday night. 
You seem to think, however, that I will reach Charleston in time to make 



To Elizabeth McCall. ig 

my "toilet" and call round. It will not take me long to arrange my 
toilet, as you know I am no dandy or drawing-room knight. The 
pleasure of seeing you and meeting you again is too great to be postponed 
seventeen or eighteen hours if it is possible to avoid it. 

But my dear love, there is one request I have to make — let no one be 
present but the family . It would destroy very much the pleasure of the 
evening's conversation if there should he any company. I shall expect 
to see no one but you, your mother. Miss Susan and Miss Anne. And if it 
be possible I will see you the same evening of my arrival. I will not dis- 
appoint you. The request you make gives me great pleasure. You can- 
not imagine my anxiety and impatience to see you and be with you as the 
time approaches. The ensuing three or four days will appear long, very 
long. Mr. Ripley, a member of the Legislature from Charleston, hearing 
that I was going to town after the adjournment of the session, came to me 
the other morning and proposed that I should take a seat with him and 
Colonel Memminger in a coach, which will leave on Thursday morning 
and go to Orangeburgh that night, and the next day to Charleston, and by 
this means avoid travelling in the night. I thanked him and replied that 
I had rather reach Charleston one day sooner and travel all night. 

I must beg you to excuse the shortness of this letter as it is late in the 
night, I have very little leisure time to spare you. We breakfast at eight, 
meet on committees at nine, and go into the Legislature at ten o'clock and 
sit till four in the afternoon ; adjourn for dinner and return at six, and sit 
until ten o'clock at night. This has been almost every day's labor for a 
week past, and during the day we are engaged in warm discussion. 
Saturday evening a spirited debate arose on closing the land office. The 
measure was advocated with great zeal and ability by Mr. Pettigru and 
Col. Memminger, and opposed by me alone. The ayes and nays were 
called, and I gained the victory by seven votes and defeated their bill. I 
was proud of the success, having contended alone against such great odds. 
But I was defeated the other day by Mr. Pettigru and Col. Mennninger in 
my favorite scheme of blending the Courts of Law and Equity, and this, 
I assure you, grieved me much. 

I must now bid you good night. It will not be long before I can bid 
you good-night more affectionately. Oh, my darling, how exquisite will 
be the pleasure of reminding you of the promise you made me when we 
parted. Oh, the pleasure of meeting you on Thursday evening, that cor- 
dial grasp of your hand, that affectionate " proof," you remember. Fare- 
well. Remember me to the family. God bless you. 

Yours affectionately, etc., 

B. F. Perry. 



20 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Columbia, January- 4th, 1837. 
My Dear Liszy : — I have scarcely time to comply with the promise I 
made you on Monday evening. I arrived here this morning about eight 
o'clock after a most unpleasant and uncomfortable ride, attended with 
various accidents and delays both by car and coach. The car did not 
leave Charleston on Tuesday morning till near ten o'clock in consequence 
of the excessive cold weather. I rose at four in the morning, dressed, and by 
great good luck succeeded in rousing from his .slumbers the watchmaker 
to whom I had entrusted my watch, and was fearful of having to leave it. 
I was at the Depo-sitory at seven, had to remain there and breakfast on 
cheese and crackers with a cup of coffee, none of the best. Instead of 
reaching the place at one o'clock this morning, we did not arrive till 
eight. The night was very cold, and when it began to grow dark, I con- 
trasted my situation then with what it had been for eight or ten evenings 
previously, when I was seated in your drawing-room before a cheerful 
fire enjoying the pleasure of a conversation with you, your mother and 
sisters. I assure you, my dear Lizzy, the contrast added nothing to my 
bodily comfort and mental happiness. I have scarcely enjoyed four hours 
sleep since I left you, and this morning have been busily engaged ever 
since I arrived. You must, therefore, make all proper allowances for this 
confused and hurried letter. 

I have found a much greater crowd in Colum1)ia than when I left for 
Charleston. But oh the change from gentlemen to black legs, jockeys 
and cut- throats. I do not think I ever witnessed a more villainous, dissi- 
pated looking set of men in my life than I now find at this hotel. It is 
race week, and the gamblers from every part of the world seem to be in 
attendance. At this hour, twelve o'clock, they have all gone to the race 
course, and the house is quiet. I have seen carriages with ladies going 
also, but am rather inclined to think the fair ones will find the weather 
uncomfortably cold. I am sure if they had been riding in the stage coach 
all night last night as I was, they would do as I am going to do, not go 
to the race course at all. 

I find that all my friends and actpiaintances here were disposed to 
congratulate me, or make some sly allusion to my wedding. I suppose 
they will now take it for granted that I have received a touch of the 
prunella, as I have returned from town without being married. How 
these things can spread .so far and wide is to me passing strange. But I 
find that rumor is always in advance of truth. When I get to Greenville, 
if the news strengthens as rapidly as it has commenced, I may almost 
expect to see my marriage announced in the papers. But nevermind, we 
will make true in April what is now nothing more than busy rumor. 



To Elizabeth McCall. 21 

I shall leave here in the morning for Greenville, having arranged all 
my business satisfactorily, and shall expect to receive a letter from you 
on next Tuesday night. In fact, I write this letter only for the answer 
which I expect from you on Tuesday next. When I have more leisure 
and am in better spirits I will write you a longer letter and talk over 
again various matters. I wish 3^ou to write me all the news of the cit}', 
and everything which may occur to j^ou relative to mj- return in April. 
It is a long time to pass awaj- before we are to see each other again — four 
months, or nearly that length of time. So we must improve the time by 
writing every week. I will write you every week and shall expect you 
to do the same. And every evening will remind me of those delightful 
evenings I passed in j'our society. The remembrance of them will dwell 
with me ever, to cheer and encourage me in life. By-the-by, the kisses 
you gave me on parting I have been eating ever since, but they are not as 
.sweet as some j-ou can give. 

Farewell, remember me, love me and wear the ring I gave you con- 
stantly. Give my love to your mother and sisters, and believe me ever 
yours, B. F. Perry. 



Greenville C. H., January loth, 1837. 

My Dear Lizzy : — I ha\-e been very much disappointed this evening 
in not receiving a letter from you. I wrote you a ven* hurried letter in 
Columbia, which I hope you received in due time, and which you prom- 
ised me to answer immediately. If j-ou had written on Friday, and there 
was no delay in the mail, I should certainly have had the pleasure of 
hearing from ^-ou this evening. But fearing that you may not have re- 
ceived my letter from Columbia, I have concluded to write you again, and 
at the same time, remind you that your promise was, to answer separately 
all of my letters. I shall therefore hold you now indebted to me in two 
letters, full three pages each. 

There is great pleasure, my dear Lizzy, in finding oneself at home 
again, after an absence of two months, seated in his arm chair, before a 
cheerful, comfortable fire, surrounded by his books and papers. This is 
my situation at present, and if I had you sitting with me I should be per- 
fectly happy. Chancellor Kent has said that his books have given him 
more pleasure than anything else, save his family. Until I saw j'ou I 
could most heartily have responded to this expression without any reser- 



22 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

vation whatever. But if I were now required to refer to the happiest days 
of my life I should mention those which I so recently spent with you in 
Charleston. Long, long will my memory' recur to them as days of unal- 
loyed bliss. You cannot imagine, my darling, how often thej- are recalled 
to my mind — how often I imagine myself seated with you on the sofa — • 
how distinctly I see j'ou, 3-our mother. Miss Susan and Miss Anne, "in 
my minds' ej'e." And how fondly do I wish mj-self back again in your 
drawing room to spend another evening ! When these thoughts and wishes 
come across my mind, I assure you my books lose a great deal of their 
interest. 

On my return home I found it reported far and wide that I had gone 
to Charleston to be married. And so much confidence was there placed 
in the rumor that a friend of mine, in an adjacent district, actually wrote 
me a letter of congratulation on my recusancy' to " single blessedness !" 
Surely this is serving me a little worse than Miss Gratia Bay did you, on 
her arrival in Charleston last Fall. 

Tell your mother that I sent her letters and packages to Mrs. Thomp- 
son, but have not yet had an opportunity of seeing her mj-self. The 
morning after my arrival here. Judge Butler called at my office onhiswaj- 
to Edgefield, and informed me that he would be in Charleston in the cour.se 
of a week or two. He made some jesting allusions to my visit to town 
and wished to know what he should say for me when he saw you all. He 
also inquired after all of his friends in Charleston. 

On my return home I was disappointed to find that little or no pro- 
gress had been made in building my house — the excuse is the coldness of 
the weather. I am assured, however, by the contractor, that the house 
.shall be rapidly built in the Spring or as soon as the Winter will permit 
the laying of brick, plastering and so forth. 

You may tell Mrs. Croft that rather a singular incident happened the 
day after my arrival here. Doctor Crittenden's boy, Jordan, who waited 
on me several 3'ears and has been ever since ver\- much attached to me, 
hearing that I had returned, came to make me a New Year's present of 
a beautiful little penknife, which he had found near the Baptist Church. 
On looking at the knife I discovered the initials " S. E. B." hand.somely 
engraved on the handle. I could not for some time conjecture whose ini- 
tials these letters were. At length I concluded they might be Mrs. Croft's 
before marriage. Has she an E. in her name ? 

I have not yet entirely recovered from the sad effects of your 
pavements and tight boots. But I am much better than when I left 
Charleston. 



To Elizabeth McCall. 23 

It is now past eleven o'clock in the night, and I must bid you " Good- 
night." I wish I could take leave of you as I did in Charleston. Oh 
that I could only touch your hand and say " Farewell." But even this 
pleasure is denied me till April. Then we meet to part no more. God 
bless 3'ou, dear Lizzy — farewell. 

B. F. Perry. 



Greenville C. H., Januarj^ 14th, 1837. 

iWy Dear Lizzy : — Your letter of the 6th inst. did not reach this place 
till last night. I received b}^ the same mail letters from Charleston, dated 
the 9th inst. Yours was post-marked three days earlier. But yet I re- 
ceived them together. There is very great irregularity in the mails lately . 
I am truly surprised that you did not receive my letter from Columbia. 
But I am very much gratified to know that you did not attribute your 
"disappointment," when the servant returned from the post-oflfice, to any 
' ' neglect ' ' on my part. No, Lizz5^ I never can neglect you — nor can I 
violate the most trifling promise I make you. If I should ever fail to write 
you, when I ought to, and when you are expecting a letter from me, be 
assured that it is out of my power to write, and that you are not " neg- 
lected." How grateful to my heart was the expression in 3'our letter — 
"for I think you must have written." It shows a confidence in me which 
I hope will increase when we are more intimately connected. 

You observe in your letter that since my departure j^our solitude has 
been almost unbroken, except by the " weekly visitor." Tell Miss Anne 
I rather think the weekly visitor may soon become a daily visitor. I hope 
you will, from time to time, let me know what progress he is making. But 
you need not inform Miss Anne of this request. By the b\', I think it not 
at all improbable that I may bring down with me in April two or three 
beaux. I have just written letters to them, giving an invitation, and 
will let you know if they promise to accompany me. 

You have a most happy knack of mixing up in j-our letters good and 
evil — or rather pleasant and unpleasant associations. In the first place 
you remind me of "thirteen years," and speak of the vast impsovement 
5'ou expect to make in epistolarj' writing when you get to be as old 
as I am! In the next line you allude to the pleasure of my "accus- 
tomed visits ' ' and say how much you miss them . I suppose you do this 
to make me value more highly the kind expression when it follows — as to 
check that " vanity" which you seem to think gentlemen possess. Now, 



24 Letters of BE^7AMIN F. Perry 

mj- dear Lizzy, I am quite free from this feminine vice. I have no vanity 
I hope you will not accuse me of it when I say that I have been so much 
accustomed to look upon myself as a young fellow just entering life, that 
I feel surprised when I hear anyone speak of being thirteen years younger 
than myself. I really cannot avoid thinking myself quite a youth — when 
I see Judge Earle j-et a gaj- young man, and recollect that he was an old 
lawj-er when I was a lad reading in his office. 

I hope you have been to see Miss Sloane. She is a clever little girl 
and will be very thankful for any attention j-ou may pay her. She is also 
a stranger in your city and never before from home. Since my return to 
Greenville she has written to her mother, to thank me a dozen times for 
the visit I paid her whilst in town, and that .she was never so glad to see 
anyone in her life. I hope jou will show her some attention. When j-ou 
come to Greenville, Mrs. Slcane will be our nearest neighbor, and I have 
no doul>t one of our kindest. 

Greenville is rapidly improving — there are new houses being erected 
constantly — new stores opening — and general prosperity seems to environ 
it. What a delightful country retreat your mother will have when she set- 
tles here and has a few of her Charleston friends around her ! I hope j'our 
aunt, Mrs. TurnbuU, will visit us next Summer and be induced to make a 
purchase here. I do assure you it has, for several years past, been my 
firm conviction that the upper country would ultimately contain almost 
all the wealth and respectability of the lower countrj- in the Summer and 
Autumn. Let the great Western Railroad be finished to the mountains 
and who will stay in the lower country during the Summer, exhausted 
with heat, annoyed by mosquitoes, and the victims of fever, cholera, etc., 
when they can so easily fly to a health >■ region and breathe the fresh in- 
vigorating mountain atmosphere, drink good water and have cool nights. 
Then there is something so grand, picturesque and beautiful in the lofty 
range of mountains which at all times strike the views of the citizen from 
his house, garden and farm. 

You must write me how all of your friends are doing, and give my 
respects to them. I should have been very happy to have seen your aunts 
again. Remember me particularly to Mr. Pereneau. I was much pleased 
with the goodness, simplicity and philosophy of the old gentleman. I 
hope weinay be able one day to make him lose the recollection of that 
famous visit to Georgetown in a much longer one to Greenville. Give 
my love to your mother. Miss Susan and Miss Anne. Adieu, my darling. 

Your lover, 

B. F. Perry. 



To Elizabeth McCall. 25 

Greenville C. H., January 21st, 1837. 
Mv Dear Lizzy .—I received > our letter of the i6th inst. last night, 
and must congratulate you en the improvement you are making in episto- 
lary writing. Hitherto your letters have been about one page and a half, 
but this one contains nearly three pages and finely written. It is the 
most interesting letter I have e\-er received from you— more interesting 
than any of the ethers, simply because it is longer. I return you my 
sincere thanks for it, and hope that the next one will be still further evi- 
dence of your improvement. But oh, if you could have seen the outward 
appearance of this letter when I received it. The servant who carried it 
to the post-office for you mu.st have thrust it into his bosom for safe keep- 
ing, or made a deposit of it in his pantaloon pockets, for I assure you it 
looked verj' much as if it had l:een lost in a coal pit, or had been blown 
through the chimney. I inform 30U of the fact because several of your 
letters have had pretty much the same appearance, and it grieves and 
vexes me to see a paper coming from your fair hand thus sullied and 
soiled by the careless negligence of a ser^-ant. 

You seem almost to fear my books as your "rival." No, Lizzy, 

neither in the devotion of my time, nor in the idolatrj' of my heart, need 

j'ou ever fear a "rival." Though I am surrounded by my books and 

derive from them pleasure unalloyed, yet my thoughts are constantly 

with you. To prefer my situation now, pleasant and agreeable as it may 

be, to the evenings I spent in your drawing room, would be treason to my 

love. Those evenings were the happiest of my life, and I never can think 

of them without deep throbbings of ray heart and a sigh that they are 

past. It was then that the fidelity of our love was first sealed with a kiss. 

But oh, Lizzy, when I think of those evenings and reflect how long it will 

be before we meet again, I am almost phrensied with the thought. Never 

can three months, and it will be just three months and one day from this 

night until we meet, pass away more slowly. To me it will seem an age. 

You say that you love Charleston dearly with all of its faults, that 

you admire the Charleston ladies, and ask me if I do not. Yes, my dear 

Lizzy, I must feel some admiration for the Charleston ladies whilst you 

are one of the number. And if I had no other cause for loving the city, 

the fact of its being your home and birthplace would be sufficient to 

inspire my heart with that feeling. But Charleston has always been dear 

to me. The generous hospitality and noble bearing of its citizens, their 

refinement, intellectual worth and literarj- taste, have always excited my 

admiration. But above all, their Revolutionary devotion to their country-. 

I agree with vou too in thinking that a city improves the manner and 

tastes of ladies. And you might have added the manners of gentlemen also. 



26 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

But after admitting all this, I must be allowed to express a decided par- 
tiality for the country. It is in the country- that we are more likely to 
meet with simplicity, sincerity, virtue, moralitj-, patriotism and religion. 
There is in the countr\- a freer thought and a bolder grasp of intellect 
than are usually met in the city. It is a remarkable fact that very few 
great men in this or in any other country have been born in a large city. 

I am very much indebted to j-our good Uncle Pereneau for the very 
favorable opinion he expressed of me. When he spoke of my personal 
appearance, he must have done so entirely in compliment to you. I hope 
you will present my respects to him, and say that it will give me great 
pleasure to see him again in April. 

And Miss Susan is to be bridesmaid to one of her friends whilst you 
and Miss Anne are slighted. Tell Miss Susan to beware, " one wedding 
brings on another," is the old adage. I hope you will be first at your 
own wedding before you are at any other. Remind Miss Anne of her 
promise to invite me to her wedding provided it takes place before ours. 
We have had a good many weddings in Greenville lately, but they are 
rather obscure persons. There is, however, a ball to be given a couple in 
this place on Tuesday evening next. They will have fine weather for 
dancing. 

I go nowhere, visit no one and hear but very little news of the vil- 
lage. Mrs. Thompson came to the Mansion House the other day and said 
to Mrs. Coleman that she wished to know when I was going back to 
Charleston, for she had some message or bundle to send. I replied that 
if she was in a hurry to send it, she had better not wait for me to earn,' it. 
Mrs. Coleman inquires verj- kindly after you, your mother and sisters. I 
am really ashamed of myself in not having yet been to see Mrs. Thomp- 
son after promising your mother that I would do so. But business, cold 
weather, etc., are my only excuses. 

I am beginning to want some book to read. I received two boxes of 
books the other day, but they were all law books, and among them were 
two or three volumes which had been printed two hundred years. They 
can hardly be called " new books." Have you read the " Mysteries of 
Udolpho " ? But it is now eleven o'clock at night and I am all alone and 
ought not mention this terrible book. Good-night. I wish I could take 
farewell of you as I have done. Adieu. 

B. F. Perrv. 



To Elizabeth McCall. 27 

Greenville C. H., Januan- 26th, 1837. 

]\fy Dear Lizzy : — I was again ven- much disappointed in not receiv- 
ing last evening a letter from you. Two of my letters are now unan- 
answered, and although I have not written to you for a week past, I was 
almost disposed not to write again until I received a letter from you. But 
inasmuch as your last communication was so much longer than any pre- 
vious one, I have come to the conclusion that I ought to write you two 
letters for it by way of encouragement for the progress j-ou are making in 
your correspondence. I must insist, however, on you paying your debts 
and answering separately all of my letters. If you only knew the ver>^ 
great pleasure which your letters afford me, I am sure you would write 
every week. Let me insist that hereafter you write me 'even- Monday; 
and send the letters to the post-ofi&ce in the evening before the mail closes, 
and I will then be certain to receive them on Friday night, and you may 
be certain that I will write you every Saturday evening, so that my letters 
will reach you on Thursday morning. Remember now. 

I wrote you some time since that I liad written to two or three beaux 
to accompany me in April. I received letters in reply this week from two 
of my friends, Colonels Fair and Herndon, accepting my invitations and 
promising that nothing on earth shall prevent them going with me. They 
both express great joy at the tidings which I communicated, but say that 
it gives them melancholy reflections to think that they are still old bache- 
lors. Colonel Herndon avows his determination to follow my example, 
and intimates that he will make a bold effort in Charleston. Colonel 
Fair writes me that he had the pleasure of your acquaintance last Summer 
twelve-month, and that he was much pleased with you. He mentions 
rather a singular coincidence. The night he received my letter, he also 
received one from Mr. Anderson, of Charleston, requesting his " assist- 
ance " to marry him to Miss Elizabeth Kincaid, on the evening of the ist 
of Februarj'. He says he became acquainted with you and Miss Kin- 
caid at the same time, admired both of you, that eighteen months have 
passed by without his hearing from or seeing either of you, and that on 
the same night he received letters inviting him to both of your weddings. 

I may invite two or three other friends to accompany me. Judge 
Earle is now in Florida ; on his return I must, of course, extend an invi- 
tation to him, and if he can leave the Spring Circuit in time to get to 
Charleston on the 25th of April, I think he will do so. Mr. P. B. 
Duncan will also probably go down with me. I had a thought of inviting 
Colonel Simkins and also Mr. L. Toomer, but I am afraid of carrying too 
many. I do not like a crowd. I wish you to write me on this subject. 
You must let me know how many attendants you expect to have so that I 



28 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

may select a corresponding number of groomsmen. You must also write 
me who thej- are, and I will select beaux suitable for them. 

I received a letter by the last mail from an old uncle of mine in Ala- 
bama (who is rich and has no children), in reply to one I wrote him some 
time since, informing him of my engagement and saying a great many 
pretty things in your favor. The old man writes back to me that I have 
given him "the description of an angel and not of a woman," that I have 
attributed to you " more amiable traits of character than belong to human 
nature, ' ' and he very good humoredly advises me not to expect too much 
lest I be deceived. I shall write the old man a good deal of sentimental 
philosoph}- in reply. 

Greenville village has been quite gay for several daj-s past, balls, 
parties and theatres. I have been to neither. Like a student and a man 
of business, I have been attending to my professional duties. Since my 
return from Charleston I have been so much engaged in business that I 
have not had as much time to devote to my books, " j-our rivals,'' as I 
could wish. You must not be jealous, for I have written you twice to 
your once. It is well that I returned from Charleston as soon as I did, 
otherwise I should have lost much in the way of my profession. In the 
last three weeks it has yielded me in money received for fees and costs, 
more than five hundred dollars. Had I remained in town, a large portion 
of this would have been lost to me. 

I have just seen Mr. Duncan, who informs me that he received a 
letter last night from Miss Sloan, in which she speaks of her visit to you, 
and how much she was pleased with it, etc. 

As you are already in my debt two letters, I will not trespass any 
further on your time at present, but wait until I receive a letter from you, 
which I know "must " be on Tuesday evening next. Give my love to 
your mother and sisters, and remember me to all of our friends and 
acquaintances. 

God bless you. Ever yours, 

B. F. Perry. 



To Elizabeth McCall. 29 

Greenville C. H., Februarj- 3d, 1S37. 

My Dear Lizzy : — Your kind, very interesting, and long letter, bear- 
ing date the 24tli ult., did not reach me until two days since. I have 
read it over a dozen times, and am really delighted with the " improve- 
ment ' ' you are making in your correspondence. Your first letter to me 
was verj- little more than one page, and your last is full three pages ! I 
hope you will continue to "improve" in the same manner until j-ou 
begin to write across your letters, or send me a couple of sheets in one 
letter. 

I thank you, my dear Lizzy, a hundred times over, for your last let- 
ter, and am now both glad and sorr>- that I wrote you last week with- 
out having received an answer to two of my former letters. I am glad 
because j-our last letter deserves two in reply — and I am sorry because I 
rather censured you for negligence in not writing. I hope, however, you 
will excuse mj- impatience, and attribute it to the natural anxiety of my 
love. For really it is a source of inconceivable disappointment to fail 
in receiving a letter from you, when one is expected. If it were not for 
our correspondence I should be under the necessity of throwing aside my 
business here, and posting off to Charleston with a view of urging you to 
an immediate union. And I assure you it was with great reluctance that 
I consented to its postponement till April, even with the certainty of a 
weekly correspondence. 

It was very kind in your aunt, Mrs. Hayne, not to wish to trespass 
on your time when you were engaged in writing to me. I hope you will 
present her my thanks for her very generous consideration ; and say to 
her that when you are living in Greenville, j'ou will write to her the 
oftener for it. Oh ! Lizzy, the idei of your living in Greanville fills mj- 
mind with a thousand delightful associations. You will then be mine — 
with me united in love and by marriage as one person, living only for 
each other's happiness. How delightful ! how exquisite the anticipation ! 
But it causes a deep sigh when I think that two months and a half have 
yet to roll round before these anticipations are to be realized. But vou 
have so willed it and I must submit. 

Mr. " has spoken " to Miss Anne, and you think he is " gen- 
erous ' ' in giving her some time to consider of the matter. It is true that 
ladies do generally take time to ''consider," but it is equally true that 
there is no reason for it. If they would only ask the heart one question, 
Does it love ? they will find in the response given a ready answer for 
their anxious suitor. If the heart loves, that love will be felt and known 
without much consideration. And love is a passion, not of slow growth 
and long, tedious culture. It is a feeling as quick as it is pure, holy and 



30 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

disinterested. Ladies maj- say what they please about not loving till the 
gentleman has told his love and they have had time to consider of it. I 
never have believed it. It is inconsistent with our nature. No lady can 
be so blind as not to see when she is loved, and she quickly knows whether 
it is reciprocal ; everj^ impulse of her heart tells her, whether she inquires 
or not. 

It is not, however, my intention to give you an abstract, philosophical 
treatise on love. I onlj' wish to correct a mistaken notion of yours on 
this subject. I think that love, being quickly felt, should be promptlj' 
told, and that it is " generous ' ' on the part of the lady to give an imme- 
diate answer. If she loves, it is generous in her to saj- so, and if she does 
not love, it is noble in her to give an immediate refusal. You recollect, 
my dear darling, how impatient I was in urging my own address, nor did 
I think that I was ungenerous in my earnest solicitude for an answer from 
you. When we feel so deeply as I felt, we must necessarily be exceedingly 
anxious to know our doom. 

I have argued this question on the principle that a lady should be 
governed solely by her love. There may, however, be exceptions. No 
lad\- should ev-er think, for an instant, of marr\'ing a man without she 
loves. No ladj- can do so. Never shall I forget the indignant scowl of 
Judge Huger to a lad}- in mj' presence, .some years since, who urged that 
there might be instances where it would be proper for a match to be 
found on convenience without love! "Tell me," said he ''that a 
virtuous woman can marrj- a man she don't love ! " " No, never." But 
there might be instances where it would be most unfortunate for a lady 
to marr}- a gentleman although she loved him. His character might be 
such as to make it unfortunate. But really, my dear Lizzy, I am worry- 
ing out your patience in burdening you to read so prosing a letter as I 
am now writing. I have indeed forgotten mj'self. Love is a subject, 
which, very often, makes one forget what we are doing. 

You observe in your last letter that you will leave me " to guess what 
portion of your thoughts are about me." If I were, my dearest, to judge 
of your thought by my own, I should indeed " guess " quite liberally, so 
much so that you might accuse me of " vanitj' " once more. But judg- 
ing without this rule, I will only suppose you think of me occasionally, 
and that when you do it is always with kindness and love. I am rather 
afraid that my thoughts are too much devoted to you, and that I think 
too little of ray books aud business. I am well assured that I do not read 
with the same interest that I formerly did. Law books are exceedinglj- 
duU, and new works are out of ray reach. 



To Klizabeth McCai,!,. 31 

A friend of mine presented me the other day with the first volume of 
Aaron Burr's Life and Correspondence. It is \-ery interesting and I was 
delighted with the correspondence between Colonel Burr and his wife. 
His letters to Mrs. Burr evince more of love, kindness and affection than 
I thought it possible for a heart so infamous as his to posse.ss. There is 
also a letter from Colonel Alston to Miss Burr, whilst he was addressing 
her, on the subject of early marriages, which I read with great pleasure. 
It is remarkably well written and argues the question with great ability. 

I am glad to hear that you intend to learn to play some pretty songs 
on the guitar for me — and although I have no ear for music, yet I shall 
always have an ear for your songs, no matter whether they are pretty 
ones or ugly ones ; 3'our sweet voice will make them appear pretty whether 
they are so or not. 

You inform me that Major Robert Y. Haj-ne has disposed of his prop- 
erty in Alabama, abandoned the spirit of emigration, returned home and 
thinks there is no place like good old Carolina. Tell him that although 
his friends may censure his prudence, thej^ must nevertheless approve 
those feelings and affections for his native soil which prompted his return. 
I have long thought that the American people were too much character- 
ized for their spirit of emigration and constant change of domicile. Mj- 
opinion has ever been that such a spirit destroys in a great measure that 
amor pa frier, that love of country which ought to bum, with a pure and 
unquenchable flame, in the bosom of every American. It is impossible 
for any one to have local attachment who is constantly moving, and local 
attachment is patriotism. The serf of Russia, who is sold with the glebe, 
but who lives where his fathers lived for centuries before him, has, I have 
no doubt, that anior patricr more strongly implanted in his bosom than 
the Republican citizen of America, who, in the course of a few years moves 
into a dozen States, and at last is ready to exchange his home once more 
for Texas or the banks of the Oregon. 

It is just so, my dear Lizzy, with the affections of the heart ; they are 
weakened every time they are changed or transferred. The heart that 
has often loved cannot love ? No one who has the slightest knowledge 
of human nature would ever think of finding an arduous, disinterested 
and devoted attachment in the bosom of a reigning fashionable belle, a 
belle who has been courted, admired and loved by thousands, and who, 
in return, has dissipated every affection of her heart among the crowd 
of beaux by whom she has been surrounded. Hence, my dear Lizzy, is 
the value of first love, not only in your sex but in mine also. There is a 
magic charm about it above all consideration. 



32 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

In speaking of " vanity," you remark that you will not say whether 
you are free of it, but will leave me to determine for myself. In the 
honest sincerity of my heart, my dearest, I believe you are as free of that 
"empty pride " as any one of yonr sex. It was your girlish simplicity 
and innocence of nature, connected with your beauty and intelligence 
which first won my heart. Vanity is never united with good sense. There 
may be persons highly gifted who are vain, but they are wanting in com- 
mon sense, or they would not possess this peculiar weakness. 

You are very kind, my dear Lizzy, in saying that if either of us was 
under the necessity of having a few years added to our present ages, you 
would let me "bear the weight of them." I know the spirit in which 
this remark is made, and am pleased at it. But it affords me so good an 
opportunity of being facetious, that I cannot forego it. The remark 
reminds me of a jest which I have often heard the lamented Warren R. 
Davis repeat in his merry moods. ' ' There was a man and his wife who 
did not live on the most amicable terms, but who were always professing 
great love of each other in company. One day, in order to show his ex- 
treme tenderness, the husband obser\-ed to his wife most affectionately, 
that he hoped she would die first 1 The loving spouse, a little piqued at 
so strange a remark, inquired the cause of this tender wish, the husband 
replied : " I think, my dear, I can stand grief better than you can !" He 
was afraid that if he died first, it would give his wife too much distress of 
mind, and did not like to think of her being made so " unhappy." As 
it is likely, according to the order of human nature, that the oldest should 
die first, you may, my dear Lizzy, think with the tender husband that 
j-ou can bear grief better than .1 can. However, you must excuse my 
facetiousness. I love you the better for the remark. 

I hope that Major Hayne"s remark about Miss and Mr. is not 

correct, and that although they are out of sight, they will not be out of 
each other's mind, but that having proven the strength of their afifection, 
they will be both willing next Summer to make a mutual pledge before 
some reverend clergyman. 

You seem to sympathize with M , and really his situation 

deser\'es our sympathy. I cannot imaging a more mortifying situation 
than that of being discarded after the affections of the heart have been 
given, perhaps unalterabh', after they have been nurtured by the kindness 
and reciprocated love of her whom he adores ! 

But, my darling, I must bring this long tiresome letter to a close. I 
know it must be tiresome to you, and I ought to apologize for writing so 
much. I hope, however, you will punish me in the same wa}'. If you 
are the least out of patience, when you have finished reading this letter, 



To Elizabeth McCall. 33 

let me advise you to sit down and through sheer spite write me a letter of 
the same length. 

Give my love and kind remembrance to your mother and sisters and 
all of our friends. Farewell, my dear, sweet girl. 

B. F. Perry. 



Greenville C. H., February nth, 1837. 

My Dear Lizzy : — Yours of the ist inst. was received this week. It 
gave me great pleasure, and I read it over as I do all of your letters until 
I almost have it by heart. 

It may be, my dear Lizzy, that in my zeal and partialit}- for the 
country and a country life, I said too much in favor of my own peculiar 
notions on the subject. I do not now recollect what I did saj% but you 
seem to differ with me as to the country having been more productive of 
great men than cities. I am glad you alluded to the expression, as it 
affords me an opportunity of saying a few words in explanation 

I had reference more particularly to the United States when I 
observed that it was ' ' remarkable how few great men have been born in 
cities." When we take into consideration the superior wealth, intelli- 
gence, refinement and opportunities for the development of talent in large 
cities, we would naturally infer that almost all great men were born there. 
But this has not been the case. All of our Presidents, without a single 
exception, were born in the country. Chief Justice Marshall and Chan- 
cellor Kent, two of the most distinguished jurists that the United States 
ever has or ever can produce, were born in the country. Alexander 
Hamilton, who, in my opinion, was the most able and highly gifted man 
of whom America can boast, was born in the West India plains, far 
removed from a city. Patrick Henrj-, the most eloquent of all the Revo- 
lutionary orators, was emphaticall)' a rustic hy birth and education. The 
three most distinguished men now in the Senate of the United States — 
Clay, Webster and Calhoun — were born in the country. To these dis- 
tinguished names I may also with great propriety- add those of Messrs. 
iii-''Duffie, Hayne and Preston. 

But, my dear Lizzy, let us refer to England. I hope you will indulge 
me a few minutes longer. Shakespeare, the greatest of English poets, 
never saw a city till he was twenty-one or twenty -two years old. Sir Isaac 
Newton, with whom no one can be compared for the extraordinary splen- 
dor of his genius, was born in the country. Oliver Cromwell, the most 



S4 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

lemarkable man that England ever produced, was a uative of the countrj'. 
So was Drj-den, and so was Dr. Johnson. The Earl of Chatham, distin- 
guished alike for the nobleness of his nature, the fire and magnificence of 
his eloquence and his vast comprehensive statistics as a statesman, was 
born in the country. I might mention Locke and a hundred others dis- 
tinguished in philosoph}-, eloquence and war. Napoleon Bonaparte, the 
most wonderful man that ever lived, he who raised himself from an 
humble condition in life, to be the master of kings, emperors and princes ; 
he who portioned out amongst his brothers and sisters kingdoms and 
principalities as if there was nothing less than an empire worthy of being 
received as a gift at his hands — he " was born in the country." 

If we were to turn to classic history, we should see that Alexander 
the Great was born at Pella, and Aristotle at Stagira, places which were 
anything else than cities. Cicero, with all of his finished and thrilling 
eloquence, profound philosophy and sterling patriotism, was born in the 
country. But, my dear Lizzy, I will have some compassion on your 
patience, I will stop before you begin to wish me not to write at all, unless 
I can write about something of more interest. 

You are very much mistaken, Lizzy, if you suppose, for an instant, 
that the outward appearance of your letters would in any way diminish 
the pleasure which they afford me. I only mentioned the fact communi- 
cated in my letter, because it mortified me to see anything which I hold 
so sacred as your letters, sullied or abused. That holy devotion of heart 
with which I view your letters, can be compared to nothing more aptly 
than that sacred love and religious veneration with which a "true believer 
of Mahomet " looks upon every page of the Koran. And as soon would 
a faithful Mussulman think of offering disrespect to the writings of his 
Prophet, as J should of seeing your letters abused without interposing to 
rescue them. I intend to have them bound in a volume like the albums, 
in the very richest style. 

We have, for eight or ten days past, had some charming, delightful 
weather. The thermometer was as high as 50° or 60° Fahrenheit at 
sunrise. Everything has the appearance of an approaching Spring. I 
have been to-day engaged in planting out the mountain locust all around 
my lot. This tree makes a beautiful shade and is of very rapid growth. 

You tell me that during the Winter in Charleston, you can scarcely 
call a minute of time your own. How differently we are situated in the 
country. P>ery minute here is our own and at our own disposal. But I 
have already said enough about the country and a country life. The 
following is, however, the manner in which my time passes. I rise in the 
morning, dress, and go to breakfast at half after seven. I return from 



To Elizabeth McCall. ^5 

breakfast at eight and read till eleven or twelve, am then engaged an hour 
or two [in business, and go to dinner at half after one, return and am 
engaged in writing or consultation with clients till three or four, then I 
read till tea, at early candle-light ; from tea till ten o'clock at night I am 
reading or writing. This is literally true every day. 

Adieu, mj' dear Lizzy, 

B. F. Perry. 



Greenville C. H., February 12th, 1837. 

My Dear Lizsy : — I will write you this letter in the form of a diary. 
It is a mode of corresponding which you once suggested to me, and which 
I now recommend you to adopt. Write every day the occurrences of the 
day and the thoughts which are suggested to your mind. This you can 
do with less inconvenience than myself, having more leisure and not so 
liable to be interrupted whilst writing. I do assure you, Lizzy, that such 
a journal will be exceedingly interesting, and place me under additional 
obligations to your kindness, and you will not then be fatigued with the 
trouble of writing a long letter at one sitting. 

To-day is the Sabbath. I went to church in the forenoon and heard 
a most excellent sermon from Mr. Spauldihg, pastor of the Baptist Church 
in this village. It was on " Faith and Works." His illustrations were 
most happy and convincing, and I thought not in accordance with the 
sectarian notions of his denomination. Although I have usually attended 
from my infancy the Baptist Church, and have always contributed to the 
support of a clergyman of that church, yet my religious notions and prin- 
ciples have always inclined to the Methodist creed. I believe that man is 
a free agent, and onl)' as a free agent can be responsible for his acts in 
this life. I eschew predestination and believe that we are saved by good 
works and not blind faith. I believe that we may at one period of our 
lives be worth j- of eternal salvation, and afterwards fall from this happy 
state. The liberal Christian spirit with which the Episcopalians are 
governed in their intercourse with the world, has ever received my highest 
admiration . I believe there is less of fanaticism in their church discipline 
than is to be found even with the Methodist. But it is your church, 
Lizzy, and I should be partial to it on that account, if on no other. 

Monda}- 13th. — I have spent this day pretty much in reading and 
consultation with my clients. In the evening I took a walk " through 
town " with my friend Colonel Towns, and examined and admired all the 



36 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

improvements of our little village. We discussed the prosperity and 
flourishing condition of the upper countrj-, and that of Greenville in par- 
ticular. We spoke of the wonderful change which the mountain region of 
Carolina was destined to undergo in a few years. Nature has done much 
for this region of countrj-, and the time is not far distant when it will 
present all the improvements to be seen in the most flourishing portions 
of the New England States. Greenville must become a manufacturing 
district — water-power, health, cheapness of labor and the mineral produc- 
tions of our county will force us to become a manufacturing people. 
When this does happen, and it is already beginning, wealth must come to 
us from all parts. Investments of capital will be' made in our cotton fac- 
tories, iron manufacturing, companies, etc., from the north, the lower 
country- and the southwest. 

Tuesday 14th. — My dear Lizzy, I have just been to the post-oflSce 
and received your letter of the 7th inst. It has been seven days in reach- 
ing me. I will never be so " uncharitable ' ' again as to suspect that j'ou 
have not written when I am disappointed in receiving a letter from you. 
But 3'ou know, my darling, it is human nature to fear the worst and hope 
for the best. Your letters afford me so much pleasure that the disappoint- 
ment is almost intolerable. 

I am glad to hear that it is uncertain whether you are to be Miss 
Anne's bridesmaid or she yours. I hope, as j'ou are the jounger, that 
you will give the preference to Miss Anne. But I am not so certain that 
I ought to be so generous as thus to yield m}- claims to being your 
mother's first son-in-law. It is a distinction not to be sold for a " mess of 
pottage," though it may be yielded in the spirit of chivalry. You must 
let me know what arrangements are made. And you must also inform 
me as to your own attendants as soon as convenient, the number espe- 
cially. I have added two more bachelors to my list — W. F. Gantt and 
Colonel Towns. At present I have invited Colonels Fair and Herndon, 
R. B. Duncan, W. F. Gantt and Colonel Towns. Judge Earle is to be 
added whenever he returns. Fair, Herndon, Gantt and Towns will be 
pretty certain to accompany me, but I am under no obligation to make 
them all groomsmen. 

You seem to think it .something very strange that we should have so 
many bachelors in the upper country, and you very naturally inquire if 
their hearts are not susceptible, or if the young ladies are not capable of 
inspiring them with love ? The quer>- is one of difiiculty, and in order to 
solve it you will have to inquire of each old bachelor the particular reason 
of his own case. But there is even a difficulty then. It is to be hoped that 
the old bachelors have too much of the true spirit and honor of gallantry- 



To EwzABETH McCali.. 37 

to reflect so serioush- on the fair sex as to say that the ladies in the upper 
country are "so inferior that they cannot produce an impression." 
Sooner would every old bachelor confess the fault to be his own, and that 
his heart is without a tender feeling or a noble impulse. And this too 
would be a most grievous, heart-rending confession for an old bachelor to 
make. 

Let me tell you, the verj^ remark you have made about the old bache- 
lors of my suit was predicted by one of them. Mr. Gantt said that so 
many old bachelors would certainly excite some remarks or witticisms. 
They are all, however, handsome, fine looking old fellows, and I am 
fearful they will smite the heart of many a Charleston belle before they 
leave the city. You had better tell the young ladies to guard well their 
hearts, for some gallant assaults may be expected. 

Wednesday i5th^— ^I have been to-day making an experiment in 
transplanting a small ash tree. Everyone tells me it will not live, that 
the tree is too large, but I am disposed to think diff"erently. It will make 
my grove of ashes much more beautiful should it only live. The fine 
house which Mrs. Thompson speaks of is making slow progress. The 
contractor assures me, however, that it will go on more rapidly after the 
Winter is over. I am rather inclined to think too that we shall both be 
too great novices in housekeeping, to wish to commence immediately. 
And we shall wish to spend a month or two, or three or four mouths after 
our marriage without the ' ' botheration ' ' of all the cares of keeping 
house. I am very much disposed to follow the maxim which I have read 
in the old Bible, that after marriage the husband shall neither go to war 
nor engage in business for one year, but stay at home and comfort his 
wife. I am not sure that I quote correctly — the idea is expressed — so I 
think we should not go to housekeeping immediately after our marriage, 
but spend the Summer in leisure and pleasure. We shall have enough of 
the cares and troubles of a house without being over-anxious to com- 
mence with them. What say you ? For in this matter I am \ery nuich 
inclined to consult j-our pleasure. 

Saturday, i8th. — You discover that I have neglected writing for two 
days .past. I have been so much engaged in business that I really had 
not time to compose myself sufficiently to think of writing to you. I dis- 
like very much to be interrupted whilst writing you, and therefore always 
prefer writing after the business of the day is over. But for two or three 
nights past I have had considerable writing to do in a professional way. 
Had I written in this, my diary, my remarks must ha\e been verj' dull 
and uninteresting. I could have told you that Thursday was a dull, wet 
day, pretty warm and something the appearance of Spring, and that 



38 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Friday was very cold and clear, that I was engaged in business, etc. So 
you now have, Lizzy, all that I could have said those two daj's which 
passed by without comment. 

The mail which brought your letter, also brought me one from our 
friend, Mr. Croft. It was a letter on business, but the old gentleman took 
care to inform me that my " particular friend " was well, and that he saw 
you very often, etc. I requested him to present my respects to you, and 
I suppose before this letter reaches you he will have done so. The old 
man's inquisitiveness found out, however, how matters were between us 
before I left Charleston. I like him and Mrs. Croft too, very much. He 
has been al.so a verj' warm friend of mine in my addresses to j-ou. More 
than once he took the liberty of telling me how well he had spoken of me 
to you and your mother. It may be that I am indebted to him for my 
success. 

Before this letter reaches you, Mr. Roberts, of this village, will have 
been in Charleston and left therewith Miss Susan, his sister-in-law, under 
his protection. They are expected to return here this day week. I hope 
you saw Miss Elizabeth again before she left town. 

I was pleased to hear that you had received a letter from Mrs. 
Eddings, and that she had mentioned my name in her communication. I 
think a great deal of Mr. and Mrs. Eddings. They are clever people, and 
I hope to see them again in Greenville next Summer. The roof of my 
house shall be painted green before that time. Mr. Eddings is the 
brother too of my esteemed friend Mrs. Pope. I had been in his company 
several weeks before I knew it. Mrs. Pope, on leaving Greenville two 
3-ears since, said to me that if I would invite her to my wedding, no 
matter when nor where it was, that she would attend, and that she would 
make a visit to Greenville in the Winter to be present at it, and enjoined 
it on me to give her timelj- notice. But I have not heard from her since, 
and suppose that she does not hardly recollect her injunctions b}' this 
time. 

You need not apologize, my dear Lizzy, for trespassing on my time 
in reading your letters. You remind me that I always apologize for the 
length of my letters, and must therefore think the time unprofitably spent 
in reading long letters, I beg you to remember there is a difference 
between the length of our letters. I very often send you two sheets 
closely written. You send me in return two pages. And I know full 
well too that your letters are more interesting to me than mine can be to 
you. 

You mentioned very good humoredly the spilling of your ink on the 
desk, and remark how fortunate you were that none of it touched the 



To Elizabeth McCali,. 39 

paper. I suppose you made this remark to remind me of my great par- 
ticularity in communicating to you the outward appearance of one of your 
letters. You must make some allowance for the particularity of bache- 
lors. Old maids and old bachelors have always been famous for neatness 
and particularity. But inasmuch as you say my name is stricken off the 
list of old bachelors, it becomes me now to throw aside their notions and 
whims. I do not think, however, that I have adopted many of their 
notions and caprices. 

The business of my circuit is just beginning, and I have to commence 
at Pickens' Court House on the third Monday in March. This will 
render it impossible for me to visit Charleston till the 22d of April. 

Give my love to all the family and friends. Good-night, dearest, I 
will go to sleep to dream about you. Adieu. 

B. F. Perry. 



Greenville C. H., February 22d, 1837. 

My Dear Lizzy : — Your letter of the 14th inst. reached me last night, 
and I was much gratified to see your ' ' improvement ' ' once more. Indeed 
I began to think that my congratulations were too soon ! But it matters 
not, I/izzy, how short your letters may be, they will always meet a cor- 
dial welcome from my heart. If they contained but one line, would be read 
a dozen times. The longer your letters are, however, the more gratify- 
ing they are to me, for they must necessarily contain more of your 
thoughts, feelings and sentiments. The difference between a short and 
a long letter from you miy aptly be compared to the pleasure of being in 
your company a few minutes or two or three hours. In mentioning ' ' your 
company," my imagination pictures to itself your drawing-room, the sofa 
and a cheerful coal fire. And I can see you now looking at j-our watch, 
and showing me that it is near ten o'clock. And I feel again the reluc- 
tance with which I used to leave you. Those were delightful evenings 
and I sigh for their return. 

You ask me what I think of the expression in Colonel Alston's letter 
to Miss Burr, " that a man never loves after he is thirty years old." In 
reply I would say that Colonel Alston wrote that letter when he was only 
in the twenty-second year of his age. How did he know what were the 
feelings at thirty ? You must also recollect that he was urging with great 
zeal, and under most peculiar circumstances, the propriety of early mar- 
riages, when the expression was used. If Colonel Alston had experienced 



40 Letters of Benjamin- F. Perry 

the present feelings of my heart he would have written differently. I am 
unwilling to believe that there is any difference in the feelings and affec- 
tions of the heart at twenty-two and thirtj'. I will not admit that there 
has abated in the least, at the age of thirtj-, that ardor of feeling and 
passion which characterizes j-outh. That period is too soon for the 
selfishness of age to have infused itself into our nature. And you seem 
to think with Colonel Alston that the heart which has never loved at 
thirty, is not likely to love at all. I would ask, if it were not possible, 
for a gentleman to see every day the coarse daubing of an ignorant painter, 
without taking any interest in them whatever, and yet, at thirty, be struck 
with the highest admiration for the first time, at the sight of a splendid 
and finished piece of painting which is brought to his view ? May we 
not pass through the period of youth laughing at the wretched caricatures 
of a toy shop, and yet be enraptured at thirty with the sight of a beauti- 
ful piece of sculpture from the chisel of Angelo or Conova ? Take an 
illiterate peasant and read to him Byron's Corsair, or Homer's Iliad, and 
will he not admire them as much at thirty as he would have done at 
twenty-two? The heart which has never loved until the maturit}' of 
manhood is like a rich soil, which has been accumulating in fertility for 
a number of years, and when sown yields the more abundant harvest. 

The opinion of a young gentleman whom you do not name, as to 
marrj'ing a lady we do not love in preference to one whom we do love, is 
the height of absurdity. I will venture to say that this gentleman will 
never carry into practice the philosophy which he preaches. To my 
mind there can be nothing more revolting than the idea of marrs'ing one 
whom we do not love. No matter how many good qualities she may 
possess we should ever be blinded to them. On the other hand, that feel- 
ing which induces us to think that those we truly and sincerely love, 
angels on earth, will ever cause us to look with kindness and tenderness 
on their conduct, however bad it may be. I could refer to striking 
instances which have come under my observation in confirmation of what 
I here assert. 

You wish to know what progress has been made in erecting my 
house. The building has been carried on so slowly that I have been 
almost ashamed to allude to it. Colonel Dunham, the contractor, has had 
his workmen employed in making the window sash, door frames, dressing 
plank and having all the lumber ready so as to put up the building 
as soon as the vSpring commences. I have emploj^ed another carpenter 
to build the kitchen, etc. In the mean time I shall superintend the mak- 
ing and laying off the garden myself. I have already been planting a 
great many trees for shade, ornament, etc. Let me give you a de.scription 



To Elizabeth McCall. 41 

of the house and lot as the one will appear when finished and the other 
improved. The house will be forty-six feet long by twenty feet wide and 
raised six feet from the ground and two-story high, a double portico in 
front, two rooms above and below, with a passage in the centre, square or 
tipped roof, large double windows above and below extending to the floor ; 
the front door will have lights above and around handsomely set in, there 
is to be at some future time a building extending back from the house 
making a T. In front of the house stand three large forest oaks, and a 
fourth tree of smaller dimensions planted by me. In front of the lot and 
on either side will be a row of cedars— these I have already planted ; from 
the gate to the portico, about fifty feet, will be a hedge of cedars on both 
sides of a gravel walk ; around the house will be planted shrubbery and 
fruit trees. In the rear of the house and leading to the garden, flower yard, 
etc. The garden shall be tastefully laid off and will contain about a half 
acre. But enough of my description. We will one day make it almost a 
fairy seat. Several persons have told me that they were going to present 
Mrs. Perr>- with a great many flowers, shrubs, etc., to set out. I have 
myself been working very hard to-day, with my boy, in planting trees 
and making a fence. I will make it a most beautiful place some day. 

I have just received a box of books, a great variety of works, but have 
not time to read them. Good night, dear Lizzy, give my love to your 
mother and sisters, and remember me to all of our friends. 

B. F. Perry. 



Greenville C. H., March 4th, 1837. 

My Dear Lizzy .—I congratulated you, some time since, on your 

•' improvement," in consequence of the length of your letters, I now have 

reason to congratulate myself on account of your punctuality. I always 

go to the post-office on Tuesday evening, with the conscious certainty of 

hearing from you. 

You make a request in yourlast letter which I never can grant, " that 
when we meet again our letters are to be exchanged, and yours committed 
to the flames whilst mine are to be handsomely bound ! No, Lizzy, your 
letters will ever be faithfully preserved whilst it is in the power of man 
to do so. But I will make a compromise with you on this subject, our 
letters shall be bound together. 

Miss Sloane returned home on Sunday evening last, and I called on 
her in a few hours afterwards, being anxious to see some one who had so 



42 IvETTERS OF BEN'JAMIK F. PERRY 

recently seen you. She expresses herself under many obligations to you 
for your politeness, attention and kindness. But I have not seen her 
since I received j-our last letter. Colonel Towns is a good deal pleased 
with Miss Sloane, and I predict a wedding. 

Time drags heavily with me. It occurred to my mind Tuesday 
evening last, that that evening had been once proposed as the evening of 
our marriage, and had been assented to by 3^ou and your mother. How 
cruel to have postponed it ! How happy I should now be had it not been 
postponed. We should at this moment be together and in the enjoyment 
of each other's company. Oh ! how delightful, and would to God it were 
so. But the time, the appointed hour is rolling around, and though with 
a slow pace will come. 

For eight or ten days past I have thrown aside my books and been 
" hard at work," so much so that I hav^e blistered my hands. Let me 
tell you what I have done. In one of my former letters, I mentioned that 
I was transplanting a large forest aslrand some mountain locusts. Since 
then I have planted out one hundred cedar trees, fifteen or twenty apple 
trees, a dozen or two pear trees, several quinces, a number of cherry trees, 
and a number of other trees. There will be a row of cedars on each side 
of the house making a square and two rows of the same leading from the 
gate to the portico. The house will be about as far from the street as 
your mother's. In front stand three very large and venerable oak trees, 
cedar and a variety of fruit trees. In the rear a garden with whatever we 
may hereafter put in it. But I am going to lay it off and arrange the 
walks most beautifully. All that I can say at present is that I have 
planted a good many fruit trees in it, and have written to Mr. Merrick {or Jlcxjutfudx 
others, vines, shrubs, etc. I reallj- never knew before how much pleasure 
there was in improving a lot and building houses after your own plan. 
But enough of this for the present. 

I am anxious to hear from you as to what arrangement you have 
made. You must also write me as to your bridesmaids. How long will 
you wish to remain in Charleston before we leave for Greenville ? We 
will return by the way of Columbia, and I thought about a week after our 
marriage. I said something to you the evening I left as to any preference 
you might have in travelling. If it meets your approbation we will return 
to Columbia in a steamboat and thence in the stage. I have no carriage 
of my own and have thought it would be rather an unnecessary expense 
at the present time. Persons setting out in life should be prudent and 
not incur expenses unnecessarily. Living in the village we shall have 
but little use for a carriage. I shall, however, in this matter, consult your 
pleasure and inclination. 



To Elizabeth McCall. 43 

M5' landlord, Colonel Coleman, left here for Charleston the other 
day, and expects to reach town on Thursday next. I requested him to 
call and see your mother and family, but he said he did not expect to have 
time to do so. Colonel Coleman is a very good and worthy man and Mrs. 
Coleman is a verj' clever woman. They both make a great many kind 
inquiries about you and your mother and sister. They profess to have 
great partialities for all of you. 

You perceive that my letter paper has arrived in Greenville, but the 
sheets are too small. I am glad you did not purchase any of it. The 
sheets are too little to contain as much as ought to be written in a love 
letter. You need not request me to read only once your letters ! They 
are invariably read the .second time, before they are folded up, after 
being opened. But I do not read them, my dear Uzzy, with a critic's 
eye, although they would stand the test of criticism. You must not de- 
spair of surpassing me in epistolary writing. I believe you do that already. 
I never can excel in writing letters. Excellence in letter writing belongs 
to the ladies. 

I must now conclude, my paper is too small. Ever yours, my dear 

Lizzy. 

B. F. Perry. 



Greenville C. H., March nth, 1837. 
My Dear Lizzy .—In your letter of the 28th ult., you seem to think 
it better to spend an hour or two in writing a long letter, than to devote a 
few minutes every day in keeping a diars-. I am not sure but that ^-ou 
are correct in this opinion. It is quite tedious to be so long in writing 
one letter, and you are apt to be tired of seeing the same sheet of paper 
before you a lialf dozen times. But, my dear Lizzy, how interesting 
would your diarj' be to me. With how intense an interest would I 
read it, and then I should always have the pleasure of receiving from you 
a long letter. You had been to the races and the performance of Mon- 
sieur Adrien, had seen Judge Richardson, Mrs. Pope, Mrs. Eddings and 

Mrs. Croft. 

I received a letter from Colonel Fair last night, uiforming me that he 
saw you in Charleston. He paid you a great many compliments, and I 
forbear mentioning them for fear they might excite a little ' ' vanity. ' ' I 
almost feel vain of them myself, and you know I have no vanit>-. The 



44 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

compliments paid you by Colonel Fair might excite in my bosom some- 
thing of vanity if I did not know that }ou so richly merited them. 

Judge Earle returned the other da>- from Charleston, and informed 
me that he had heard of my flame whilst in town. The Judge says he 
will accompany me in April without fail. He will be a gay youth for a 
groomsman, think you ? to place beside one of your ' ' young and pretty 
cousins. I have not heard from my friend Colonel Herndon lately. I am 
afraid the cold winter doesn't agree with his age and infirmities. And you 
think my groomsmen are not as remarkably hand.some as I think them, 
and that "the danger is all on their side." Indeed, Lizzy% the danger 
may all be on their side — so much of your expression I admit to be true — 
but you do them great injustice when you detract from their personal 
appearance. Let me take them in detail : Judge Earle has for the last 
thirty years, been universally regarded as the handsomest man in the 
upper countr}- ; reputation of so long standing cannot now be affected by 
any -doubts. Colonel Herndon cannot lay claim to so old a reputation, 
but he is decidedly fine looking. Colonel Fair, after the compliments he 
has just paid you, ought to receive a most favorable decision at your 
hands. William Gantt, Esq., is an evergreen, he looks as well and as 
young now as he did fifteen years since, when he was distinguished for 
his personal appearance. Colonel Towns is young and good looking, 
tall and a military man. But I must beg Judge Earle's pardon for say- 
ing "thirty," this is a horrible blunder of mine, I should have said twenty. 
I beg that you never hint the error to his Honor, lest he fling aside his 
judicial robes and calls me to the field of honor with lance in hand. The 
Judge is about forty years old, quite a respectable age for a bachelor. 

I cannot say that I am sorry at being assured by you that I shall see 
Miss Anne on my return to Charleston. This will restore to me the honor 
which I thought was about being snatched from me, that of being the first 
son-in-law in your family. However, I beg Miss Susan's pardon. She 
may, for aught I know, assist .some one in filcliing from me my good 
name. But I appeal to your mother to protect my rights. .She ought to 
adopt tlie parliamentary rule of considering the petition in the order in 
which they were presented. Mine was presented last Fall, and. of course, 
has a precedence over one presented in January, or perhaps but yesterdaj- 
in Miss Susan's case. There is an old adage that " one wedding brings 
on another," and Miss Susan has lately been to several. 

My little sheet of paper admonishes me that I must conclude this 
nonsen.sical letter. I am sure j-ou would object to my sending more than 
one sheet unless it was better written. Good-night, my darling, and 
believe me, Yours truly, 

B. F. Perry. 



. . ' To Elizabeth McCall. 45 

Greenville, March 14th, 1837. 
My Dear Lizzy : — I have just received your letter of the 7th inst., 
and hasten to answer it by the return mail. 

You must not, my dear Lizzy, understand my comparison between 
the firm, steady and manly impulses of love at thirty and the wayward 
fickleness of love in youth as having any relation to your sex. I drew 
the comparison for my own sex and believe it applicable to them alone. 
Woman's love should always be implanted in her youth. There is a 
difference in this respect between our sexes. Take the world over and 
you will find that a gentleman always loves his last wife the most, and a 
lady her first husband. But I must here stop for fear I get to philoso- 
phizing again on love. 

I shall start to Pickens Court on Sunday morning, and will not return 
to this place for a fortnight. I go from Pickens to Anderson Court by the 
way of my father's on Tugaloo. I have not seen xny parents since our 
engagement. They are aged and never leave home, and I have been so 
much engaged in business since my return from Charleston, that I have 
not had an opportunity of visiting them. Your letter, which will arrive 
here in ni}' absence, will be brought to me at Anderson by Colonel 
Towns. I cannot think of being two weeks without hearing from you. 
I shall write to you from Pickens and Anderson, but the mails may not 
be regular, and therefore be not surprised if you do not get my letters in 
proper time. I shall now be very little at home till I start to Charleston. 
From next Sunday until I leave Laurens Court for town, I shall be con- 
stantly at some court on the circuit. If you were here, I should return 
from each court as I did last fall. Do you recollect my coming home from 
Pickens so much sooner than was expected ? Give my lo\'e to your 
mother and sisters, and believe me. Ever yours, 

B. F. Perry. 



46 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Pickens C. H., March 21st, 1837. 

My Dear Lizzy : — I have just left the Court House to write you, after 
a most laborious and fatiguing day spent in defending a man who is 
charged with a larceny. The accused is sixty-six years old and has 
hitherto sustained an irreproachable character for honest\- and integrity. 
He has raised a large and respectable family, and has accumulated a 
handsome fortune. It is now eight o'clock in the night and the trial is 
not yet over. His Honor, Judge Earle, is making his charge to the jury. 
But knowing that if I did not write you before the mail closes to-night, I 
should not have an opportunity of doing so before the first of next week, 
I have left my client's case in the hands of an assistant counsel, after 
making as good an argument as I was capable of doing in his favor. His 
case is a very doubtful one, and has excited much interest in the com- 
munity. 

You see, my dear Lizzy, that I am not writing you on my little sheet 
of gilt edge, but on a large coarse sheet of foolscap. You must, however, 
excuse the paper, for it is the best that I can procure in the city of 
Pickens. I reached this place on Sunday evening, and have not had a 
moment's leisure since my arrival. I am now writing you with my door 
locked to keep out troublesome clients, although it is eight o'clock in the 
night. When I shall be able to leave here I am unable to say — perhaps 
Friday morning. I go from here to my father's and thence to Anderson 
Court, as I wrote you last week. I .shall be at Greenville the latter part 
of next week. 

How I regret that your letter which reached Greeenville Court House 
to-night will not be seen by me before Sunday evening ! How much 
pleasure it would be to me to read it to-night. I hope it is a long letter. 
You must excuse this very hasty letter, for I assure >ou that I write 
amidst the greatest noise and confusion all around me. You can have no 
idea of the noise and disagreeable company which a lawyer is subjected to 
on the Circuit. It is worse upon mj'self than most lawyers, as I lead a 
more still and quiet life than most of them. 

I can but compare my situation and my thoughts and feelings at this 
place during the present court, and my thoughts, feelings and situation 
last Fall court at this place. At that time, my dear Lizzy, I had not told 
to you my love. I recollect hastening home for the purpose of doing so. 
I recollect neglecting my business for almost the first time, with a view of 
enjoying your company and being with you. But now, if nothing 
happens, one month from this time I will be with you never again to part 
whilst life continues. 



To Elizabeth McCall. 47 

I must now conclude as the mail is waiting for me. It closes to-night 
though it does not leave till daylight to-morrow. In fact, it ought to be 
closed already, but I have begged the Postmaster to wait a few minutes, 
and I assure jou I have not been ten minutes writing this scroll. 

Give my love to j^our mother, Miss Susan and Miss Anne, and believe 
me, dearest love, to be " yours (in your own language), • 

Most sincerel}-," 

B. F. Perry. 



Anderson C. H., March 27th, 1837. 

My Dear Lizzy . — I arrived here yesterday evening from my father's 
— left them all well. They were anxiously inquisitive as to the "fair 
one" who had captivated my heart. Colonel Towns brought my letters 
from Greenville, and amongst them was yours of the 14th inst. It gave 
me great pleasure to hear from you after nearly two weeks' silence. This, 
however, was my fault and not yours, as it was in consequence of my 
absence from home. To-morrow evening your letter of " arrangements " 
will get to Greenville, but I shall not have the pleasure of seeing it till 
the last of the week. How long the Court will detain me here is some- 
what uncertain. My business has increased very much this Fall. This 
is very well, as I have a prospect of increasing my expenses, though I do 
not know that the expenses of a married man and family are much greater 
than those of a careless bachelor. 

I have nothing of interest to write you at present and verj- little time 
to write. The stage will be here in a few moments, and I shall have to 
go into Court directly. I therefore cannot write j-ou a long letter, but had 
I time, I would follow the maxim of Scripture and repay good for evil, or 
a long letter for a short one. 

Judge Earle was attacked with rheumatism at Pickens Court, and is 
now scarcely able to walk. If he gets worse he will not be able to accom- 
pany me after the circuit is over. I hope, however, that the fine Spring 
weather which we now have will improve his health. The weather is 
indeed delightful, the whole country presents the appearance of Spring. 
The peach trees, plums, etc., are in full bloom, and in riding through the 
country there is a fragrance in the atmosphere which is most delightful. 
The trees have a most beautiful appearance too. Everything is calcu- 
lated to inspire the feelings of love. I regret that the 25th of April is .so 
far away. 



4* Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

When I return to Greenville I will write 3'ou a more full letter, but I 
shall be very much hurried there, and you must make great allowances 
for all the letters which you receive from me from this time till you see 
me. It is a difficult matter for one to sit down and write a love letter or 
one of sentiment after coming out of Court or from noisy crowds, and 
being botllfered all day with troublesome clients. 

You will please remember me to your mother and sisters, and accept 
my love. My dear Lizzy, farewell. Ever yours, 

B. F. Perry. 



Greenville C. H., April ist, 1837. 

My Dear Lizzy . — I am once more at home again and have better 
materials for writing 5-ou than it was my good fortune to meet with on the 
Circuit. For instance, I have a little sheet of gilt edge instead of coarse 
fool.scap, and I have the whole evening to write, instead of being confined 
to ten or fifteen minutes. But, my dear Lizzy, you cannot imagine how- 
disappointed I was in not receiving a letter from you on my return home. 
I was grieved, but the next evening after my arrival yours of the 23d nit. 
came to hand and soothed my troubled spirit. 

My business .is in the Court of Appeals, and the Court does not sit 
till the first Monday in May. But if a visit to Columbia would be un- 
pleasant to you, my business can be entrusted to other counsel, and we 
will return as you desire by the way of Augusta. I will make arrange- 
ments for a carriage and horses to meet us there. Had we not better take 
an excursion into the upper part of Georgia from Augusta ? We can travel 
slowly and at our leisure. There will be time enough, however, to talk 
of this when we meet. I will not loiter on my journey to Charle.ston. I 
shall be there on the 22d, if nothing happens. I will not postpone one 
day nor one hour. Without some accident by stage or railroad, I shall 
be in town on Saturday- evening before the 25th. 

The ensuing week we have Court at this place and the week after at 
Spartanburgh, and thence we go to Laurens Court House, which place I 
will leave on Thursday, so as to reach Charleston as I have above stated. 
Until I .see you I shall be very much engaged in the Courts and shall 
barely have time to write occasionally a short letter. 

You observe in your letter, which I received at Anderson Court House, 
that I had not given you yet a description of my house. I was in hopes 
to have had it completed by the first of May so that I could have shown 



To Elizabeth McCall. 49 

you the building itself finished on your arrival here. But really there is 
more delay and trouble in building than I was aware of. I am much 
provoked at the slow progress made with my house. But let me give you 
a brief description. Picture to yourself a house forty-six feet by twenty 
feet, two stories, four rooms, a wide passage above and below, double 
portico in front, large double windows extending very low and square roof, 
and the building raised seven feet above the ground, and a cellar beneath 
with two rooms, and seated under some large oak trees, and you have 
an idea of the house I am building. Hereafter I will add to it a wing 
from the rear, with a portico or half piazza between the main building and 

the wing. 

But I must quit this description as my sheet is pretty well filled. I 
saw your particular friend, Mr. Gregorj-, at Anderson. He told me he had 
seen you very recently and I was glad to see him for that alone. I have 
not yet seen Mr. Croft although I have understood he arrived. Since my 
return from the Circuit I have scarcely had time to leave my office. Give 
my love to your mother and sisters, and believe me to be most sincerely 

yours. 

B. F. Perry. 



Greenville C. H., April 8th, 1837. 
Mv Dear Lizzy . — It is now ten o'clock in the night, and I have just 
left the Court after a most fatiguing and laborious week's work. You can 
form no idea of the professional labor which I have this week rendered 
my clients, and in the morning I have to start for Spartanburgh Court. 
I scarcely had time to go to the post-office on Tuesday evening and get 

your letter. 

The day after writing you last, I took dinner with Mr. Croft. He 
told me a great deal of news from Charleston. General Thompson 
informed me to-day in Court that he had received an invitation to your 
cousin's wedding on the 25th of May— the Miss Haynes to Mr. Taylor 
and Colonel Martin. 

I am very glad to hear that your mother wishes me to hasten the 
building of my own house, so as to have an opportunity of attending to 
hers. I hope she will visit the upper country sooner than June, which is 
the time Mr. Croft says she speaks of coming up. 

In your last letter you inform me that if any of your arrangements 
are not understood, I must write you on the subject. I believe I under- 



50 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

stand them all sufficiently and will make mine accordingly. I shall 
return from Spartanburgh the last of the week, and then all my arrange- 
ments must be speedih- made before I go to Laurens Court. I am verj' 
much afraid that some of the beaux who were to accompan}- me will not 
be able to do so, but I will inform you more full}- in mj- next. If I have 
time I will write you from Spartanburgh Court the coming week. As 
" the day" approaches I think we might write twice every week instead 
of once. But, my dear Lizzy, it seems to me that for several weeks past 
I have not had time to write a single letter as I could wish. And after 
being so much " bothered " with clients, courts, etc., I feel indisposed to 
write, or rather unfit to write. This is very much my situation to-night. 
I have made so many speeches in Court and talked so much out of Court, 
that my voice is almost broken down. 

I hope you will excuse this letter, as well as two or three others 
which you have lately received from me. If you knew how much 
fatigued I am, I am sure 3-ou would make great allowances. 

Give my love to the family, and believe me to be yours most sincerelj'. 
Oh, Lizzy, if I had the power of destroying the few days which must 
intervene before we meet, how happy would I be. But it is too true, two 
weeks, two long, long weeks must pass by before I see you. 

Good-night, my darling, 

B. F. Perry. 



Spartanburgh C. H., April loth, 1837. 

3fy Dear Lizzy: — I arrived here last evening, and having more 
leisure than I have had for two or three weeks past, I will write you 
again, although I wrote a long letter the evening before I left Greenville. 

Judge Earle expresses some anxiety to be at our wedding, but says 
he cannot reach Charleston before Thursday evening, 27th inst. He is 
under the necessity of returning home from Laurens Court, and proposes 
to go down to Aiken in his carriage, and there leave the carriage, horses 
and coachman at my sers'ice, to do with and keep as long as I .see proper. 
If then it will not interfere with any arrangements already made by you, 
the 25tli can be made the 27th, in order to have the Judge present. He 
has always been a bosom friend of mine and I am under great obligations 
to him, and should like ver)- much to have the pleasure of his presence on 
an occasion so important. If, however, any arrangements have been 



To Elizabeth McCall. 51 

made that cannot be postponed conveniently, we must not pleasure the 
Judge so far as to wait for him. 

I shall still go on from Laurens Court, and will be in Charleston on 
Saturda}' night, the 22d. I think it likelyColonels Herndon and Fair 
will go with me, and Mr. Ganttwill meet me in town on Monday. Judge 
Earle will be there on Thursday. We will leave on Friday morning by 
the railroad to Aiken, there we will take Judge Earle' s carriage, horses 
and driver and go where we please. 

Mrs. Coleman is anxioas to know the day we are to arrive in Green- 
ville, so as to make some preparation for our reception. I told her that I 
could not determine on any particular day for returning to Greenville. 

You do not know, my dear Lizzy, how anxious I am for the day to 
arrive when we are to meet again, and oh, how dull and dreary is my time. 
Business has few charms for me. 

You must excuse the shortness of this letter as I am writing in my 
co-partner's law ofiice. Ever yours, my dear, 

B. F. Perry. 



Greenville C. H., April 15th, 1837. 

My Dear Lizzy : — I have written to you so often during the past week 
that I am almost afraid my letters will be troublesome. But having just 
received yours of the 6th inst. , I cannot forego the pleasure of answering 
it. I was only jesting when I remarked the different arrangements we 
had made. In order to show you that I will not be surpassed in "yield- 
ing," I have only to say that all the arrangements you have made meet 
my entire approbation. After reflection, I am satisfied that it will be 
more pleasant to leave town the next day, and in all'probability your stay 
in Columbia might be unpleasant. We will therefore leave for Aiken by 
the railroad, and thence to Greenville in Judge Earle' s carriage, which 
will be in readiness for us at Aiken. My business in the Court of 
Appeals shall be entrusted to Colonel Henidon or Colonel Fair, who will 
return to Columbia and attend to it with pleasure. 

I wrote you from Spartanburgh as to the wish of Judge Earle, that 
Thursday should be substituted in the place of Tuesday, so that he may 
have time to reach town. But, as I stated in my last letter, if any 
arrangements have been made for Tuesday, we will not delay for his 
Honor, although he may not arrive in time. 



52 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Your acquaintance and friend, Mrs. Towns, of Spartanburgh, was 
exceedingly inquisitive to know when I was going to Charleston? How 
long I expected to be gone ? Who would return with me ? And whether 
I would not call on them or go down that waj- ? etc. She expresses great 
friendship and kindness for your mother and family, and being a particu- 
lar friend of mine, she said she was much rejoiced at the news she had 
heard about me. 

I saw Mr. Croft this morning. Tell his good lady that the old gen- 
tleman is quite well and looks younger. He says he will send down for 
Mrs. Croft the first of May. 

We have a good deal of company at the Mansion House at present. 
Captain Williams and lady and family, whom you saw last Summer, are 
here and will remain all Summer. There are several other engineers and 
their ladies. 

This is the last letter I shall have the pleasure of writing to you until 
we meet again, or rather it is the last letter I expect to address to " Miss 
Elizabeth F. McCall." When I write you again I hope the address will 
be different. I shall leave on Mondaj- morning for Laurens Court, and 
will be in Charleston on Saturday night if nothing happens. If I get to 
town before the bell rings I shall see you, and repay one of the kisses 
which I stole from you when we parted last. Vou maj- expect me till 
nine o'clock, and I hope you will not expect me in vain. 

I must now bid you adieu. I would that I could travel as fast as my 
letter. Give my love to your mother and sisters. It will give me sincere 
pleasure to meet them also. They already appear to me as near and dear 
relations. 

God bless you, my dear darling Lizzy. A few more days and I will 
meet you as my own, and I pray that our lives maj- be happy — as happy 
as yours deser\-es to be. Farewell. 

B. F. Perry. 



Mr. Smith's, July 25th, 1837. 

Jl/y Dear Wife : — I am very much fatigued, but will not break the 
promise you exacted from me on leaving you to-day. Indeed I cannot 
when I think of the kisses you gave me by way of recompense for the 
letter. 

The first eleven miles I spent in reading Tucker's " Life of Jefferson," 
and thinking of you. I wondered what you were doing, whether you 
were writing in your journal, conversing with Mrs. Cunningham or 



To His Wife. 53 

thinking of me. You ntay suppose, my love, and vanity induced me to 
think the latter. 

But to nn- passage here. I dined at eleven miles from the 

village, made a very hearty dinner on cabbage and bacon, peach pie, and 
mola.sses and buttermilk. And I do assure you that I never enjoyed a 
dinner at the Mansion House more than I did this one, and it was a very 
good one, too. 

I met the stage here to-night from Aiken with three or four ladies 
only. I have not heard their names. They are bound for Greenville. 
The rail cars did not arrive at Aiken yesterdaj^ evening ; some accident 
must have happened. This will cause the next stage to be crowded. I 
am very much afraid we shall meet with .some difficulty in getting our 
seats. Mr. Mauldin has stopped at Cambridge, and expects to go up in 
the next stage. There will be the last car full and the one to-morrow all 
for one stage. So if you should not see us on Friday, you must not be 
alarmed, for I think it exceedingly probable that you will not. Tell Mrs. 
Cunningham I place you under her care and protection, knowing that she 
will accept the charge most cheerfully ; and, no doubt, she wishes me to 
stay a month, so that she may have the more of j'our company. 

The weather is pleasant, but I am writing in a room filled with I 
don't know whom, and cannot write with much pleasure where persons 
are not only looking at me, but actually looking over my shoulders. 

The ride down nere was very pleasant, it was over the same road that 
we travelled last fall when we were courting, and the same road that we 
passed over this spring after our marriage. I saw many objects to remind 
me of both rides. I stopped a few minutes at McCullough's where we 
staid all night last fall. 

I hope that I may meet your mother to-morrow night and that we 
may get seats back. The stage leaves here at one o'clock to-night, and 
so I must bid you farewell. Oh, my wife, you do not know how often I 
think of you, and how earnestly I wish to return to }-ou and receive 
another kiss from those sweet lips of yours. 

Adieu. Your husband, 

B. F. Perky. 



54 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Aiken, July 26th, 1837. 

My Dear Wife: — Just as I anticipated and predicted to j-ou in my 
last letter from Mr. Smith's, we are to be detained here till Sunday morn- 
ing. Your mother and sisters are here and all well, also Major Hayne. 
They seem to be more disappointed than I am. But we lia\e engaged our 
seats for Sunday morning and you will certainly see us on Monday next. 
All our friends in Charleston are well. Miss Anne and Miss Susan look 
remarkably well and seem to be in good spirits though much fatigued. 
They say that some forty or fifty of their friends called to see them in 
town last night. 

I have barely time to tell you the bad news of our disappointment. I 
wrote you from Smith's and hope Henning sent you the letter ; if not send 
up and get it. 

I had more time then than I have now. 

My dear wife, you must enjoy yourself with Mrs. Cunningham the best 
you can. I shall .see you on Monday. 

Your loving husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



Anderson C. H., Monday night, October i6th. 

My Dear Wife : — I am always anxious to have an opportunity of 
writing to you, when I am absent. If I am in Greenville I wish to be 
with you, and if away I wish to be writing to you. There are few per- 
.sons, my dear wife, who have loved with that devotion and idolatry 
of heart which has characterized my love. It increases with the time we 
have been married, 'and it will go on increasing until death separates us. 
I have frequently thought that every feeling of my nature and every affec- 
tion of my heart were concentrated in you. To every other being in this 
world, I am almost indifferent. There is truth in the remark which your 
sisters made respecting me this summer, "that I thought of no one but 
Lizzy." In this I am .selfish and proud of my selfishness. I do not 
believe in a divided allegiance. 

But my darling, I have not time to comment further on my love. I 
have been interrupted two or three times since I commenced writing. Mr. 
Maverick has just left my room after a long consultation about his land 
cases and Mr. F. Burt has been in on business. I have eight or ten im- 
portant cases in Court, .some of them will be tried to-morrow. Byt I can- 



To His WifU. 55 

not expect to be as fortunate with them as I was with my cases at Pickens. 
I can always give a pretty good guess as to my success. 

I arrived here on Sunday evening very tired and very hungry, not 
having ate anything after leaving Greenville. I found Judge Butler here 
who enquired after your mother, etc. , and was much surprised to hear 
they had gone to town. Mr. Burt enquired very kindly after your health, 
etc. 

Mr. Duncan reached here this evening from Greenville, but was not 
able to give me any information of interest as to the village. When I 
shall be able to leave here is altogether uncertain. I hope Thursday or 
Friday, but very likely not till Saturday. It is altogether uncertain. 
You must write me bj- Thursday's mail. Put your letter in the office 
before five o'clock Wednesday ev'ening. You will have all day to write. 
And it will be so pleasant to receive a letter from you. It will also give 
me great satisfaction to hear that you are well and not low in spirits. Let 
me hear all the news, — whether you have heard from your mother who has 
left the Mansion House, how you spend )-our time, what they are doing 
at our house and kitchen, etc. 

I am interrupted so often that I will close my letter. Alnio.st a dozen 
persons have been in the room since I commenced writing. 

Your affectionate and loving husband, 

B. F. Perry. 
Tuesday Morning. 

My Dear Wife: — After writing you last night I took up a book 
whose title is "Young Ladies' Library," in seven or eight volumes, and 
never was I more deeply interested in a work of that character. I will 
purchase it for you this winter if it is to be found in Charleston or Colum- 
bia. It is a most invaluable book, and treats a little of every thing rela- 
tive to the conduct, education and management of young ladies, the 
employment of their time, influence, education, dress, dancing, music, 
friends, visitors, household affairs. In fact everything worth a young 
lady's stud}'. 

I am now satisfied I shall .;ot be able to leave here before the last of 
the week, perhaps not till Saturday. I will write you again by Mr. Dun- 
can who will leave Wednesday or Thursday. You must be certain to 
write nie on to-morrow. 

I wish you had come over with me. I have a fine room and this is a 
most capital house, pleasant and quiet chambers. And if you were 
here I should remain with pleasure. But as it is I am like a man on a 
bed of thorns. Dear Lizzy, good morning. 

Yours, my wife, 

B. F. Perry. 



56 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Anderson C. H., Wednesday night. 

My Dear Wife. — Mr. Duncan leaves here in the morning for Green- 
ville, and I will not forego the pleasure of writing to j^ou, although it is 
now eight o'clock in the night, and I have just left the Court House after 
a most laborious trial of one of my cases. That good luck which seemed 
to hover over me at Pickens has not yet deserted me in Anderson. The 
first one of my cases was tried to-day. It was a land ca.se of Mr. Dun- 
can's, and the jury have just returned a verdict in my favor. The case 
was a matter of some consequence and excited a good deal of feeling and 
interest. I am vers- proud of our success in the case, and Mr. Duncan 
seems equally well pleased. 

When I .shall be able to return to you. my dear wife, is yet uncertain, 
perhaps not till Sundaj'. We get on very slowly, only one of m\- cases 
has been tried, and I have five more of importance to try. But I assure 
you that a poor fellow was never detained from his love more reluctantly. 
1 am so restless and impatient that even .success in m}' cases cannot recon- 
cile me to the Court. 

I am very much in hopes that I shall hear from you in the morning 
by the Greenville stages. If you only knew how much pleasure one line 
from 3'ou would give me, I am sure )-ou would have written. But oh, if 
you have not written to me, low will be niy spirits and how pained my 
heart. I wrote you on Tuesday and supposed you received the letter. I 
will write you again on Friday, if possible. 

I have j ust been struck with a most wonderful metamorphosis. Some 
years since I knew a little girl at school in Greenville, the youngest 
daughter of Mr. Maverick. She was a pretty and pleasant little girl when 
I last saw her, quite a girl in her appearance and manners. To-day I 
.saw a lady come to the dinner table and take her seat opposite me, who 
looked as if she might weigh three hundred and was at least forty years 
old (allowing for a little exaggeration). She was just from New York on 
her way to Pendleton, in company with her husband, and was Miss 
Lydia Maverick (quondam). Never did I .see so wonderful a metamor- 
phosis before in the shape of woman. 

I have read some little further in the " Young Lady's Library." One 
chapter on the subject of a young lady choosing her friends .seems to me 
almost a repetition of a conversation which you heard between your 
mother and myself We must not choose our friends too hastily, nor 
abandon them for everj- little fault. There are none who are perfect, and 
we must not expect perfection in our friends. No two minds are cast 
exactly alike. On the subject of " gossip," " company," etc., I thought 



To His Wifk. 57 

Mrs. might derive advantage from the perusal of it. But it is a 

work of great value to every one. 

I suppose you have heard before this time from your mother. The 
weather since she left has been very favorable. I suppose the Mansion 
House is getting pretty thin — perhaps I should say pretty full — for the 
races have commenced. But I care but little for the sport and much less 
for the company ordinarily attracted b)- it— fakirs and gamblers, swindlers 
and idlers, etc. ^^^^^'' 

How comes on the house and kitchen ? What have you been doing 
I am just employed in another case and mu.st stop to talk with my client. 
God bless you, my darling, good niglit. Yours, etc., 

B. F. Perry. 



/BoJ- 



Anderson C. H., October 19th. 

J/j' Dear Lizzy. — I received to-day your letter, which is the first one 
ever received from you in which I was addressed as " My dear husband." 
You do not know, my dear wife, what sincere pleasure the using of this 
epithet, for the first time, in a letter addressed to me, gave u\y throbbing 
heart. It filled my bosom with emotions which I cannot describe. 

I can assure you that I never received a letter which gave me greater 
pleasure. I was in the Court House when the stage arrived and imme- 
diately left for the post-office. The Postmaster had started with the letter 
in his hand to give me in the Court House. He knew, I suppose, it was 
from my wife, and conjectured my anxiety to receive it. I went to the 
post-office and missed him, returned into Court and found him in the 
crowd with the letter in his hat. He is a particular friend of mine and a 
very clever man. I took the letter, went to the bar and seated myself 
amongst the lawyers, and read every word with deep interest whilst Mr. 
Bush was making a speech. 

How much the heart that truly lo\-es appreciates every assurance of 
love from the object of its passion ! I read with peculiar delight every 
expression of your feelings, and would not take a thousand dollars for 
each word contained in your letter. 

I am glad to hear how pleasanth' you spend your time. I hope you 
will bring up your journal to the present time before I return. The house 
will have something worth seeirig before my return. But whenever I 
think of my detention here I am in great distress. But oh, the pleasure 
of meeting you. I begin to believe a short absence increases love. A 



58 Letters of Benvamin F. Perry 

week, however, is too long an absence. What shall I do this Winter ? 
How pleasant it wonld be to have jou in Columbia. But more of this 
when we meet. I will now give you some further information relative to 
my cases. 

I wrote you last night by Mr. IXmcan, that one of ni}' cases had been 
decided in my favor. To-day we have tried three more of them. I ha\-e 
gained two and lost one of them. Two more are to be put off to-morrow 
morning till next Court. This will leave me but one more to try. If it 
was not for this one, I could go in the stage to-morrow. But this is a ca.se 
of some importance, and one in which I was employed last night. My 
business is beginning to increase pretty rapidly. I have made several 
hundred dollars this Court, but have not yet received one dollar of the 
mone}'. The fees are all certain, however. It affords me much greater 
pleasure now to make money than it formerly did. I hope in a year or 
two that we shall have an ample income — an income sufficient to live on 
in handsome style, but not to spend with a prodigal's hand. 

I am not yet able to say when I shall be able to get off ; perhaps on 
Saturday morning. Judge Butler has given me an invitation to return 
with him, but if I can procure a hor.se I will leave before he does. Since 
the continuance of my cases, I think it likely Court will adjourn to- 
morrow night. If so, I will see you, my dear wife, on Saturday evening. 

It is now past ten o'clock and I must bid you good night. I have 
written in a great hurry and you must excuse the scrawl. 

Ever your loving and devoted husband, 

B. F. Perry. 

I suppose you ha\'e heard from your mother before this. I am sorrj- 
your Aunt Emilj- has left. I should liked to have seen her before she 
started. 

Arthur Simpkins arrived here this evening on his way to Pendleton 
after Miss Maria. I have barely had time to speak to him, as I did not 
Itave the Court House till dark, and had my room full of clients ever 
since till within a few minutes past. 



To His Wife. 



59 



Pickens C. H., Tuesday night. 

My Dear Wife: — I am veiy much fatigued and worried, but will 
compose myself for a few minutes to write you by Colonel Towns, who 
Starts in the morning for Greenville. 

I have been very much engaged since my arrival here on Sunday eve- 
ning, and have not had the same general success with my cases which I 
had last Court. But they have been all very trifling one.s — indictments 
for fighting. The most important which I have has been postponed till 
next Court. We commenced one to-day for stealing a free negro boy, in 
which I have been employed since my arrival. It is not finished. Gen- 
eral Whitner and myself have speeches to make in the morning. Mr. 
Young ma'de his this evening. I get a prett)' good fee, and hope we may 
be able to acquit the defendants, but it is verj- doubtful. The will case 
of Mr. Choice's which you heard me mention will be tried Thursday, and I 
hope to be at home on Friday night. I have done pretty well in the way 
of business. 

I have met here my two brothers, Josiah and Foster. They inquired 
kindly after you, and informed me that all of my father's family are well. 

I inquired of Mr. Young if you were at the breakfast table on Sunday 
morning, and you do not know how much pleasure it gave me to hear 
from 3'ou, even one hour after I had left you. He said you were at the 
table and quite well. My dear L,iz, you have been present in my heart 
and mind, awake and asleep, ever since I left. The first thing I thought 
of in the morning after waking or half waking, was yourself. More than 
once I turned over and put out my arms to encircle you in them and found 
nothing but my pillow and coverlet to touch. How much would I have 
given only to have seen j-our face and that sleepy smile which it wears in 
the morning. I believe that a short absence makes me love you more, or 
rather feel my love more sen.sibly. I will not admit that anything can 
increase the ardor of my feelings towards you. But I am not sensible of 
the extent of my passion for you till I am away from you. But m_\- 
absence should not be more than two or three days, or a week. It is 
painful for it to be longer. 

I hope you went to Mrs Croft's on Sunday and took dinner with her 
ladyship, and that 3'ou spend your time pleasantly in my absence. I 
assure you it gives me great pain to think you are lonely or not spending 
your time pleasantly. I often think and am afraid that you are in the 
room gloomy, lonesome and sad, and how I wish to be with you, to talk 
to you and press you to my heart. I hope you walk out and go over to 
the house and look at the vegetables in the garden, and amuse yourself 
with Mrs. Williams. 



6o Letters of Ben^jamin F. Perry 

As soon as I can break off from Court, you may expect to see me at 
home, I hope on Friday evening. It is now late in the night, and I have 
to think of my speech for to-morrow. There is great noise too in the 
next room. I have the same room that we had last Summer, and I assure 
you it has endeared it to me. I think of your having laid in the bed 
whenever I look towards it. Colonel Towns and Mr. Roberts occup_\' a 
bed in the same room, but at present are out. 

Give my respects to Captain and Mrs. Williams, and Mrs. Coleman, 
if you think proper, or they should inquire whether you have received a 
letter from me. How comes on Bancroft and the sheets, etc. ? Does your 
pocket change hold out ? 

Adieu, my dear wife, and God bless you. 

B. F. Perry. 



Pickens C. H., Wednesday night. 

My Dear Wife . — I understand from Mr. Choice that he will leave for 
Greenville to-morrow evening and I will avail myself of the opportunity 
of writing a few lines by him. But I assure you, my dear wife, that I have 
no time to deal in sentiment or to express the very great anxiety I have 
to return and press you to my bosom. 

In all probability I may be able to get off on Friday morning, though 
I may be detained here till Saturday. I have had .something to do in 
every case of consequence that has been tried, and what is remarkable I 
have succeeded in all of them. I have not lost a single case this week 
little or big. Two of my most important cases are yet undecided, one 
will be tried to-morrow and the other has been put off till next Spring 
Court. If I succeed in the one to-morrow I shall get a very handsome fee, 
several hundred dollars. I have been employed in a good deal of new 
business. But I have said enough about my business. I know ladies can 
take no interest in such matters. 

I am now seated in the little room which we occupied in June, and 
how much that fact has endeared this room to me. To my " mind's eye " 
I can see you seated at the window reading the " Pilgrims of the Rhine " 
or near the fire-place listening to Milton. But oh I I look round and it 
is all a delusion I You are far away, perhaps not thinking of me. 

Judge Butler will go from here to Anderson, and will not return by 
the way of Greenville, though he is anxious to do so. We had a pleasant 
ride on Sunday notwithstanding the day. We talked incessantly and of 



To His Wife. 6i 

everything, the ladies were not forgotten, tell Miss Susan and Miss Ainie 
that thej' were not forgotten by his Honor or myself, nor was your mother; 
you were first in ray thoughts, but too sacred to speak of, in ordinarj- 
conversation. It would have been like speaking of myself 

I shall get a hor.se of Mr. Norton if I can leave on Friday, if not I 
shall go in the stage on Saturday morning. Butler says he thinks I am 
more anxious to leave Court than I ever was before. And I assured him 
he was correct. Nothing but the very important case I am concerned in 
could keep me a da}' longer. 

Now let me tell you how I have been employed since mj- arrival here. 
Mondaj' I defended a man for fighting, and another for stealing a hog (a 
grown-up pig), they were both acquitted. I also had several smaller 
ca.ses on the civil .side of the Court which I gained. Tuesday I was all 
da}- in defending a man charged with stealing a cow, the same case tried 
over again which I wrote you an account of last Spring, he was acquitted 
this time. To-day, Wednesday I have been all day in trying a land case 
in which we succeded. If my good fortune will onl\- continue to-morrow! 

How have you spent your time ! in writing in your journal, reading, 
looking at the house, talking and working? I am anxious to see how 
nuicli has been done on the house and kitchen. 

I hope to find some of the company missing, on mj- return to the 
Mansion house. But above all things I hope to return as .soon as pos- 
sible. Colonel Towns has just been in my room and thinks I am j'et in 
love from the fact of mj' writing you and that my letter will not reach 
much sooner than I do myself 

Adieu, ni}- dear wife, yours, 

B. F. Pkrrv. 
Thursday morning. 

Colonel Towns leaves here this morning and I will send this letter bj- 
him. I have nothing now to add to what I wrote last night. I still think 
I shall be able to reach home on Frida\- evening. 



62 Letters of Benjajiin F. Perry 

Andkksijn C. H., Monday night. 

My Dear Wife: — I left the Court House this luoniing as soon as I 
found out the stage had arrived, hoping that ^-ou had been kind enough 
to write me, and I .assure you that I never received a letter with more 
pleasure. The Postmaster was just about starting with it to hand me in 
Court, and excused himself for being tardy. He inquired with some 
interest how I had left "Mrs. Perry," and I thought he seemed afraid 
something was the matter, from the fact of m\- receiving a letter so soon 
after my leaving home. 

You do not know, my dear wife, with how much interest I read your 
letter the second time, and now ha\'e it lying before me on the table. It 
gave me great pleasure to know every little movement of yours on Sun- 
day after I had left home — that you read the praj-er book, lay on the bed, 
looked over a chapter in Bancroft, went down to dinner, etc. All these 
little matters which could be of no interest to anyone except a loving 
husband, were to my heart and feelings full of the liveliest pleasure. Oh, 
how I dreamed of j-ou last night. Me thought yon had presented me with 
a little son. I have a most vivid and distinct recollection of its features, 
so much so that I really believe I should recognize the little creature if I 
were to see it, at least that I .shall know it hy the dream when I do see it. 

You have often told me that my letters last Fall from Anderson were 
the most interesting that I ever wrote j-ou. I am sorrj- that there is no 
probability of the present one being like those, although it is written from 
the same place, in the same room, and on the same table, with a heart 
which I am sure has lost none of its devotion and affection during the 
last six months. No, Liz, however far this letter may fall short of excit- 
ing in your bosom the same gratification which tho.se did last Fall, I know 
full well that my love for you has increased with every minute that has 
passed over our heads. When I first saw you my heart was smitten 
with your beauty. When I became acquainted with you, I loved you 
for your virtues, j'our intelligence and your amiability. When our lives 
and fortunes, for good or for evil, were connected by the .sacred tie of 
niarriage, I felt towards you as a part and parcel of myself. When I 
became better acquainted with you, as time passed on, I felt all the con- 
.scious pride which love must feel in knowing that we have not been dis- 
appointed in our love, and that the object of our pa.ssionate devotion is all 
that love dreamed it to be. 

I very often think, VQ.y dear wife, that there are few persons who have 
lived twelve months together as husband and wife in such perfect har- 
mony and affection. It is true that both of us, like pa.ssionate lovers, 
have had our occasional fits of " tantrums," which have been few and far 



To His Wife. 63 

between, and always passed over in two or three minutes and left our 
hearts more full than ever. But I will not talk any longer of love for fear 
I may commence and court you over again before I close my letter. 

I had, as you wished me, a very plea.sant ride with Judge Gantt. I 
ga\-e Mrs. Gantt the apples you .sent, and which .she received kindly. She 
praised them and seemed to value them, and inquired after your health, 
etc. We reached Anderson about four o'clock in the afternoon. There 
is not likely to be much business in court. I think we shall adjourn on 
Wednesday evening. The most important cases which I had here will be 
put off till next court. I tried one little assault and battery to-day and 
the fellow was convicted. A case of Mr. Perry Duncan's will be tried 
to-morrow. There is a case of murder to be tried on Wednesday. I am 
not, however, employed in it. I have got some additional ca.ses since I 
arrived here. 

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Armstead Bu-rt here. He 
will not be at Greenville ; Mr. Wardlow will, though he is not here. 
General Whitner's lady has given him another child, and she is doing 
quite well. I believe he has six children; and it seems but the other day 
I walked with his wife as groomsman to Dr. Robinson. So quickly does 
the human family multiply and increase ; so quickly, I might say, do they 
fulfil the Scriptures. 

I have been reading the " Young Lady's Library " again. It is the 
most valuable book for a young lady that I ever saw. I will purchase it 
for you some day. I hope you visit the house and see that everything is 
going on well — that poor Sheriff is at work — he is a good-hearted fellow 
with all of his rascality. If he is not at work with Colonel Hoke on the 
streets, make him clean all of your brass, wash the outside of the win- 
dows, make potato hills or ridges and plant potatoes, and make tables and 
benches for the kitchen. 

I hope you have received a letter from >nur mother, and that they are 
all well. 

I must now bid you adieu, my dear wife. 

B. F. Pekkv. 

[The next letters were to Mrs. Perry while visiting in Charleston 
City.] 



64 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

CoLrmiJiA, Thursday, Noveinlier 30th, 3 P. M. 

My l\ai Wife: — I have hardly time to inform you that I reached 
this place about five o'clock this morning, not having slept any and very 
much fatigued. I had to go into the Court of Appeals immediately after 
l)reakfast to argue one of my cases which was waiting my arrival, thence 
to the Legislature, which I have just left, and have not yet had time to 
eat dinner. What the decision of the Judges will he in the case argued 
I am unable to say. 

I saw Mr. \Vm. E. Hayneand Colonel Martin and Colonel Taylor this 
morning. I am rather afraid that Mr. Hayne's prospects are not so good 
as I thought. I staid too long in tinvn. V>\\\. I have been very active to- 
day in his behalf. The Greenville delegation will be equally divided. 
From Newbery I have gained two and two more from the Pedee county. 
His prospects are growing better. 

I saw Governor Butler this morning. He says he and Mrs. Butler 
have written to Anne to come and spend the session with them, and is 
anxious for you to come also, and says you might towards the latter part 
of the session. You do not know, Liz, how much plea.sure it would afford 
me for you to do so. I feel already as if I had been separated from \o\\ 
a month. How I shall be able to spend the .session, three long weeks, 
without the smiles and sweet tones of my dear Liz, I know not. If you 
were only here it would be so delightful. I think of you everj- minute in 
the day and wonder to myself what j-ou are doing and how 3'ou are spend- 
ing your time. I am more anxious to hear from you than I ever was in 
my life. Write me every day. My time is not my own or I would do the 
same. 

Nothing of interest has yet occurred in the Legislature. It is thought 
the elections will come on next Saturday. The .session will be a short 
one. I have taken lodgings at Clark's Hotel and much plea.sed with the 
hou.se. I came up in company with several acquaintances as far as 
Branchville, and Mr. W. Huger and others to this place. I have heard 
from Greenville two or three times, letters from Wells, Blasingame and 
others. The plastering of our hou.se is finished. Judge Gantt inquired 
most kindly about you and spoke of my house as the handsome.st he had 
seen, and alluded to my happiness; says he is anxious for us to be social 
and intimate with his family, that his afllictions have prevented his pay- 
ing us the attentions he intended. All the Judges incjuired about you 
this morning when I made my appearance in the Court of Appeals, aiid 
alw Colonel Fair with much interest, and manv others. 



To His Wikk. 65 

But, my dear wife, I must conclude. I am hurried, and worried by 
the loss of sleep, too much, to think at all. 

God bless you and protect you. Give my love to the family. 

Your hu.sband, 

B. F. Pkkkv. 



Columbia S. C, Sunday morning, December 3d. 

My Dear Liz : — Your letter was handed me this morning, by the 
bar-keeper, who goes to the post-office whilst the members are at break- 
fast. I read it with great interest and went to the State House immedi- 
ately for the purpose of answering it, but could not get admittance, to-day 
being Sunday. I mention this as an apology for the paper on which I am 
writing. It is a sheet, and the onh' sheet, I could get in the bar-room. 

So far from being displeased at your purchases, 'I am \-ery much 
gratified and especially to know that j-ou have pleased your own fancy. 
You are no doubt right in getting good carpeting although you have more 
to pay for it. I am not disposed to ' ' scold ' ' you for anything you have 
purchased, but hope you will go on in making your purchases as to 5-our 
"experience" and good judgment may seem best. 

I have been looking at silver cups, teaspoons and butter knives, and 
am very much pleased with some I have seen : cups, verj- beautiful, at 
twelve and fifteen dollars, teaspoons at twelve dollars, butter knives, 
most beautiful and silver, at six and seven dollars. But I will not make 
any purcha.se at present. There are two very fine stores of this descrip- 
tion in Columbia. 

I am glad to hear that you and the young ladies are pleased with the 
diamond rings. I hope they will always wear them as a memento of my 
love and respect for them. I have a great fondness for jewels and think 
nothing .so appropriate for a handsome gift. They wear always, and are 
like the feeling should be which makes the gift — enduring, bright and 
indestructible. 

Nothing of interest has yet been done in the Legislature. I have 
risen two or three times to make a few remarks, and my usual good luck 
attended me in being successful in the motions which I made. Mr. 
Hayne's election will not come on till Tuesday. I think his chance of 
success pretty good. Considerable exertions have been made for him. I 
have done all I can. I met Walker and told him I was going to exert 



66 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

my influence against him. He said he thought none the less of me, but 
I could perceive that he was a good deal chagrined. 

Mr. Albert Rhett inquired how you were the other evening and when 
I had loft you, and replied that I was certainlj- fulfilling the part of a 
good husband. I am much pleased with Rhett. His course in the Legis- 
lature is marked by a noble and manly bearing on all questions. He is 
a man of decided talent and ability and will one day be an honor to his 
country. 

I went with Doctor Blanding the other daj-, accompanied by Colonel 

l^jLa/Lf/L Harper and others, to the cotton factory near this place, and on our return 

we took tea with Dr. Blanding. He entertained us quite handsomely 

with wine, fruits, cake and music. His wife and little daughter were the 

only ladies present. 

The College Commencement is on Monday, and the ball soon after- 
wards, at this house. I do not know that I shall attend either. 

It is thought that the Legislature will adjourn about the i6th inst. 
If so, I shall be much delighted. How I long to see you, my dear wife, 
and press you once more to that heart which loves you so fondly. 

Yours affectionately, 

B. F. Perry. 



CoLUJiBi.v, Wednesday morning, December 6. 

My Dear Wife: — You must not wait for me to answer all of your 
letters. You have time to write and I have not. From the time I get up 
in the morning till eleven o'clock in the night, I am constantly engaged 
in the Legislature, or the Court of Appeals, or on Committees. 

Your letter yesterday gave me great pleasure, and I was becoming 
exceedingly an.xious to hear from you again. I asked Mr. Hayne 
if he had heard from home, and whether anything was said about you and 
your mother. 

There was one balloting for Comptroller yesterday — Walker, 6>s ; 
Hayne, 54, and Brown, 27. No election made. Brown has withdrawn, 
and the result will be known this evening. I will keep my letter open 
to write you, but I fear Walker will be successful. He is a better hand 
to electioneer than Mr. Hayne. I have done all I could, but I was not 
able to do much. Those members over whom I might have had some 
influence were pretty much pledged to Walker on my return from town. 



dlajLJdUL 



To His Wife. 67 

We had considerable discussion in the Legislature yesterda>-, and 1 
made several short speeches and was successful in all of them. Gordon 
and Philips, of Charleston, made long .speeches in favor of extending the 
prison bounds to the districts, which I opposed and defeated with the 
a.ssistance of Rhett and Dudley. There was also a bill introduced l)y 
Colonel Harper to punish some kind of manslaughter with death, _which I 
oppo.sed in a .speech of some wanuth, and defeated with the assistance of 
Colonel Memminger. 

On my return from the Committee Monday night about ten o'clock, 
I found this house of Clark's filled with some hundreds of ladies and gen- 
tlemen, dancing, waltzing, talking, walking and standing. A splendid 
band of music was playing in the large entry, and which sounded like 
thunder. The ladies were dressed in a most rich and gaudy style — bad 
taste, I thought. I will describe one. She had a white dress of the 
richest and most costly material (I can't name the material), over which 
she wore a red scarlet silk \-elvet jacket coming down to her waist and 
fitting very close. She had on her head wreaths of flowers upon wreaths 
of flowers, and around her neck a profusion of jewelrj'. There was 
another with a red dress out and out, but they were all distinguished for 
head dresses. I saw Langdon Cheves waltzing with one, and it ap])eared 
that his arm in the whirl of the waltz had entireh- encircled the slender 
and delicate waist of the fair lady whom he seemed to support with his 
hand. In the room there was a complete jam, ladies and gentlemen all 
squeezed up together. Colonel Player came up to where I was standing, 
looking on with Colonel Memminger, Frost and Colonel Edwards, and 
obser\'ed to me that it was pollution to enter the room where any one was 
suffered to go who would pay his five dollars. Governor Butler was 
dressed in full and rich uniform, sword and all, and had a young lady on 
his arm promenading the entrj-. 

But, my dear wife, I looked around on all the groups of richly dres.sed 
belles, and saw none whose beautj- could vie with yours — none whose 
faces wore such charms and smiles of beauty, loveliness and innocence. 
No, not one ! Your husband, 

B. F. PiCKKV. 

P. S. — Mr. Hayne is elected by six votes. Send Word. 



68 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

CoLUMiiiA. Saturday nioriiing, December loth. 

My Dear Wife : — I received your letter yesterday informiug me of the 
death of Judge Pickett, and I was truly shocked at the intelligence. His 
death is to be much lamented. From the short acquaintance which I had 
with him in Greenville, I was induced to think and speak of him in verj- 
high terms. He was a man of sense and considerable information, gentle- 
manly and unassuming in his manners, and possessed a kind heart and an 
amialile disposition — a combination of virtues which are by no means to 
be foiuid in the character of every one. 

I think with you, my dear wife, in saj-ing that it should be a source 

of pride and gratification to Miss to know that .she excited so deep 

a feeling in the bosom of one whose heart was so noble. And it may be 
as you say all for the best, though we cannot see or understand it. Had 

Judge Pickett lived another twelve-month, Miss might herself 

have been the victim of that wretched climate of Montgomerj-. I am one 
of those who in good and in evil, have always believed in the providence 
of God. And there is no one who is less inclined than myself to be dis- 
turbed or have my happiness destroyed by that which I cannot help. 

I wi.shed to write you yesterday, Init had not time. I was appointed 
the chairman of a special committee on the formation of a new judicial 
district at Aiken, and had to make out my report and bill. I wrote con- 
stantly from five in the evening till eleven at night ; did not get up from 
my tal:)le except to go to suppper, and then in tlie morning, yesterday, I 
was framing a bill, etc., until eleven o'clock. I have labored so hard that 
I have almost broken my.self down. In the House I have been pretty 
active and very successful. In the Court of Appeals I lost the ca.se of 
Colonel Jones against Mr. Dickey. It is sent back to Greenville for a 
new trial, but I will gain it before the jury again. 

You niust write me how you come on shopping. I have confidence 
in your judgment and " experience," and have no doubt you will be pru- 
dent and economical in all of your purchases. I wish that I had a for- 
tune so that I might furnish you with, in your own language, " plenty of 
money. ' ' 

I was invited to Colonel Hampton's last night to a grand and 
splendid party, but did not attend. The good people of Columbia are 
giving a great many balls, parties, dinners, etc. The ladies are crowding 
the galleries of the Reiiresentative Hall, and we are legislating encircled 
bj- beauty. 

In great haste, your affectionate husband. 

B. F. Pekrv. 



To His Wife. 69 

p. S. — The time of our adjournment is yet uncertain. It seems that 
I have been here a month. I never was so anxious to leave a place 
before, uor so impatient to see my wife. B. h . P. 



CoLUMBi.\, December 15, 1.S37. Thursday, P. M. 
J/r Drar /,/".• — I have just returned this evening from a dinner 
party at Governor Butler's, and having taken two or three gla.sses of 
champagne, I feel more affectionate than ever, and can only show my 
feelings by writing to you. There were some ten or fifteen persons at the 
dinner, and amongst them General Hajme, Judge O' Neil, Judge Evans, 
Judge Butler, Chancellor Harper, President of the Senate and the 
Speakers of the House of Representatives (Colonel Noble and Wardlaw), 
General Jones, General Whitner, Mr. Pettigru and Mr. Bennett. I went 
after the Legislature adjourned, in company with Pettigru and Beimett ; 
the rest of the company had assembled, and were awaiting our arrival. 
The dinner was very good and the wine mo.st excellent. Judge Ruller 
and Pettigru seemed to contribute more to our social amusement than an>- 
others. Pettigru is a noble fellow, and one of nature's brightest and best 
of works. Judge Butler, too, is a man I sincerely love. My opinion of 
your Uncle Robert >-ou have often heard me express. Judge Evans and 
Judge O'Neil are likewise my favorites. We had indeed a fine company _ 
Judge Colcock was also with us. Pettigru and myself were the last to 
leave, the others .stole off at different times. His ICxcellency was in fine 
spirits, and his entertainment was a good one. 

I have received letters from Greenville, saying that Colonel Dunham 
is building the smoke house ; that the painter is busy at work, etc. 
Crook sends his and Mrs. Crook's respects to you. Mr. Hayden left here 
yesterday for Mobile, having just been admitted to the Bar. He gave me 
a present of a writing desk and begged to be remembered to you. Dr. 
Hardy, of Ashville, inquired ven,- kindly after you ; he was here on the 
subject of the railroad. 

We have done a good deal in the Legislature lately. I made a speech 
the other day on the currency, which was listened to with great attention. 
To-day I spoke on the subject of making a new district at Aiken. Petti- 
gru and others replied to me. The House became tired ot the debate, 
and I rose to .speak again, when the cry of " question " was heard. In- 
stantly my feelings were aroused, and I had not uttered two words before 



70 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

silence, death-like, prevailed. They saw from my manner that I was 
deeply excited. Your affectionate husband, 

B. F. Perry. 
P. S. — This morning 1 received another note from Governor and Mrs. 
Butler, requesting my company on Monday evening. I snppo.se there 
will be a grand display-. B. F. P. 



Columbia, December i8th. — Sunday evening. 

J/i' Dear Lis : — I have just returned from a family dinner with your 
kinsman, Colonel Tajdor. I expected to have returned in time to have 
written you by this evening's mail, but could not. 

I found the Colonel and his lady quite happy and looking very well. 
I think Mrs. Taylor looks decidedly prettier than she did the night of our 
marriage. Whilst sitting at the head of the table I looked at her and 
thought I could discover some likeness to yourself — not so pretty, of 
course — but something alike. There were present at dinner Colonel 
Elmore and his lady. Colonel Chestnut, Mr. Albert Rhett, a Mr. Hall and 
\our little cousin. Miss Hayne, and two other little girls. We spent our 
time very pleasantly, the ladies retired, and Rhett and myself talked over 
the affairs of the nation. Mrs. Rhett, an old acquaintance of mine, did 
not make her appearance. The reason I know not. You know that 
Colonel Taylor is living with his mother. 

Your uncle, General Hayne, came to \\\\ room this morning and sat 
with me some time. He addressed the Legislature j'esterday for two 
hours and a half on the subject of the railroad. The gallerj- was filled 
with ladies, and the House crowded with members. Senators and stran- 
gers. His speech was one of great al)ility, eloquence and practical sen.se, 
breathing throughout a glowing patriotism and devotion to South Caro- 
lina. It had the desired effect, and the .security which he wished the State 
to guarantee was voted by a considerable majority. 

On Friday evening we had (juite an animated debate on the .subject of 
Texas, in which I made a speech of .some length in reply to Rhett, and 
which has been very highly complimented by mx friends. .Mr. Pettigru 
rose in his .seat and thanked me in strong language for expre.s.sing his own 
feelings in such glowing and eloquent terms. He said to me afterwards 
in private, that he had no idea I could speak with such force and had 
such connnand f)f language. Colonel Fair pronounced it the best speech 
he had heard during the session. Mr. Seymour told me that although 



To His Wife. 71 

opposed to nie in sentiment, he was carried away by my eloquence, etc. 
I spoke under great excitement and was well pleased myself with the 
speech I made. The House listened with the deepest interest, and I could 
see the effects of what I said in the countenance of those who were looking 
at me. And I must confess that it was a proud gratification to me, to 
watch the features of my audience and see the effect of my language. I 
took my seat with as much pride as ever I felt in my life. Mr. Rhett 
replied in a short speech, and the debate was postponed till Monday. I 
may have to speak again on Monday. 

My dear wife, you have no idea how impatient I am to see you. If 
you do not come with me to Columbia next Fall, I will not be a candi late 
for a seat in the Legislature again. Your presence is more to nie than 
honor or wealth. Your last letter gave me great pleasure, and I hope to 
hear from you again on Tuesday morning. 

I am not at all " gloomy and sad," but in a fine humor, and not at 
all displea.sed with you in spending money, but only wi.sh that I had as 
much as you could wish to spend. 

We have bad weather and prospect of a great deal of rain. 

Remember me to all the family, and may God liless you, my dear 
wife. Yours in lo^•e, etc., 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, Saturday' night. 

Mv Dear Wife : — I was very much distressed this morning at receiv- 
ing a letter from you, expressing your disappointment at not hearing from 
me. My darling wife, do you think me capable of neglecting you? I 
am sure you cannot. At the very time you were expecting a letter from 
me, I was laboring harder than I ever did in my life, and thinking of you 
into the bargain, and wishing that I had time to write you. I do assure 
you, upon the honor of your husband, that my duties are so arduous and 
various that I have no rest or peace. 

To-day we have had a good deal of discussion in the House, in which 
I took a part. It was proposed to adjourn the debate on the currency 
till Monday. This I opposed in a speech to the point, and was .successful. 
Colonel Elmore introduced a bill to increase the salary of the Treasurer 
of the Upper Division. This I opposed in three or four short speeches, 
and succeeded, in opposition to Messrs. Toomer, Yeadon, Mills, Elmore, 
etc. The bill to indemnify the City Council of Charleston for burning the 
brig Amelia, and make an appropriation of $12,000 for the same, was 



72 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

opposed by Colonel Adams and advocated by myself, Colcock, Yeadon 
and Frost. I was again successful. In fact, I have succeeded in almost 
every measure which I have advocated. The bill to form a new Judicial 
District at Aiken was reported by me and will l)e discussed on Tuesday, 
and I fear that I shall not be able to carry it. In fact, I have no hope of 
it. The success I have had shows one or two things, either some influ- 
ence or good judgment on nn- part. 

There is to be an election for a Chancellor in the place of Judge 
Desausau this session. I wish that your Uncle Robert was here and 
would accept the ofhce. We are disposed to give it to some Charleston 
man. Dunkin and Wardlaw are candidates. We could elect Wardlaw, 
but think the lower country ought to have some of the judges. They are 
now all of them in the upper country. The upper country has the 
strength, and if we unite can always elect whom we please. 

I received a letter the other day from your uncle. Colonel A. P. 
Ilayne, enclosing a sketch of his life, and al.so another letter from him 
introducing his brother-in-law, Colonel Alston. Colonel Alston handed 
me the letter in the State House when I was very busy and said he would 
see me again. I did not know at the time that it was a letter of introduction, 
and did not observe his features or appearance. After reading the letter, 
I felt mortified, but was not able to distinguish him among the crowd. I 
have not seen him since to know. I ma>- have passed him often. I in- 
([uired of several for him Init could get no information. I am very much 
chagrined at my own incivility towards him, but cannot help it. Strangers 
are very often handing me letters and papers on business, and this led to 
the mistake. I will write your uncle this week, thanking him for the 
biographical sketch he was kind enough to send me, and hpologize for the 
mi, stake. 

Dear Liz, I have engaged my seat for the 20th, and I will be in town 
the 2ist. The Legislature adjourns on the 20th. My love and my 
prayers are with you. Good-night. 

B. F. Perry. 



To His Wife. 73 

Columbia, May Sth, 1838. 

J/r Pear Li." : — I have- just arrived here, and have barely time to say 
that it is more than probable I shall lie able to retnrn to my wife and 
home on Sunday evening next. The business of the Court, so far, has 
been most rapidly despatched. Some of my cases had like to have been 
stricken from the docket in consequence of my ab.sence. One has been 
tried and one continued. Mr. Wardlaw argued for me the one which was 
tried. Mr. Young and Colonel Irby will start home on Thursday morn- 
ing. Mr. Burt is not here and will not be during the sitting of the Court, 
nor will General Whitner. 

At Newbery, Chancellor Johnston and two other gentlemen got into 
the stage with me and we had a pleasant ride. His Honor became 
hungry, and your gingerbread and jumbles were produced by me, and 
we all did them ample justice. The Chancellor pronounced them very 
nice. Judge O'Neil, Mr. Wardlaw and Colonel Fair inquired after you. 
I have not seen any of the other judges, as I arrived here late this 
evening. 

You do not know, my dear Liz, the anxiety I feel about you. I am 
afraid that you may become alanned, being all alone ; that you may be 
discontented, perplexed or unhappy during my absence ; that something 
may go wrong, and that you have too much care on your hands. But I 
believe you to be pretty much of a heroine and a pretty good manager, 
and I feel assured that you will keep everything right. But I am more 
anxious to see you than ever, and will greet you with more pleasure and 
love than I ever did, for I never before left you in so interesting a 
situation — the mistress of a house — and I might add another situation 
which is far more interesting to me. 

I hope you are feasting on strawberries and cream, and that you are 
making plenty of nice butter. I hope also that you have made the little 
dress which I left you bothered with ; and also that you have received the 
articles sent for by Mr. Powell. 

I have nothing more to write you and no time to write if I had. All 
of my briefs have yet to be made out, and I hope to be able to try some more 
of my cases to-morrow. I shall anxiously expect your letter on Friday 
evening, and you must write me again by the mails which leave on Satur- 
day morning and Monday morning. If I do not get otf Saturday morn- 
ing, I shall not be able to return till next Friday week. So you must 
write me by every mail and tell me all the particulars of your house- 
keeping, etc. 

I have not time to add more. Farewell, my dear wife, and believe me 

to be your loving and affectionate husband. 

B. F. Pekkv. 



74 . Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

CoLUJHUA, S. C, November 26th, 1838. 

My Dear Love . — Having an opportunity of writing by Dr. Ir\-iiie, I 
will not omit doing so, as it will enable you to receive a letter from me 
one day sooner than you otherwise would hy mail. 

We had a pleasant trip down and good weather, but ver\- cold 
weather since our arrival here. I have stopped at Thomas' Hotel, and 
Colonel Brockman, Powell and Stone are with me. We could not get in 
at Hamner's. This house is a pretty good one and I am quite comfort- 
al)le. 

The Legislature met to-day at twelve o'clock, and I had the honor of 
being called to the chair, on motion of Mr. Colcock, and organized the 
House by swearing the members and presiding till the Speaker was 
elected. It took about two hours, and I assure you that I presided with 
great dignity and performed well all the business of the House. Being 
called to the chair I considered quite an honor, as it is seldom bestowed 
on a man who has been only two years a member and a young man into 
the bargain. I thought of you whilst I was seated in the elevated seat of 
the Speaker, presiding over the House of Representatives of South Caro- 
lina, with the learning and talent of the State around me. I thought you 
would have liked to have seen your husband thus honored, and he would 
have been proud to have had your presence in the gallery. Mr. Wardlaw 
was elected unanimously Speaker, and I conducted him to the chair and 
resigned it to him. In the first place, however, I appointed Messrs. 
Phillips, Burt and Carroll to inform him of his election and bring him 
into the House. On taking his .seat, he addressed the House in a verj- 
handsome speech. 

I have .seen to-day a great many of <jur friends and acquaintances. 
You told me I must write aliout them. I will begin with Judge Butler ; 
he inquired very particularly after you, and whether Miss Anne was with 
us or had returned to Charleston. He inquired al'ter his little daughter, 
and asked if I had seen her lately. I told him that you had, etc. Judge 
Johnson inquired after you, and said he had understood that you had been 
unwell, and so did Chancellor Uunkin. Mr. Albert Rhelt incjuired how 
you were, and said that he had understood that your sickness had pre- 
vented my attending the extra session last May.^ Mr. Rhett seemed u/- (^jAool^oc«/- ^"^ 
surprised that I had consented to be a member again, and said he thought 
I was so devoted to my profession that I would not have sen-ed. Colonel 
Fair has just been to Charleston, and informed me of the death of old 
Mrs. Alston, mother-in-law of General Hayne. He inquired kindly 
about you, so did Mr. Burt and Colonel Dawkins. Mr. Burt and my.self 
have the same desk and sit together in the Legislature. Colonel Martin 



To His Wife. 75 

has his wife with him and asked after you, etc. Colonel Dawkins also 
has his lady with him. I have not seen Taylor. 

The Court of Appeals did nothing to-day ; I was in Court about an 
hour. To-morrow the case of Calhoun will be tried, and your briefs will 
be given the Judges. I will dispose of them as you requested me. 

I am writing about sundown, and have just come from the Legisla- 
ture and have to return there to attend a committee, on which I was 
appointed this evening. You nuist therefore excuse this scrawl, and I 
will conclude by saj'iug that you are constantly in my thoughts. It 
would be very gratifying to be seated with you before our cheerful fire 
about twenty minutes. What are you now doing ? I .suppose you are 
giving some order about supper. Perhaps you may be at Mrs. Cunning- 
ham's before this letter reaches you. [c^ 

I long to hear from you and how you are doing, the news of the tot, 
how are tlie servants doing, the horse, the cow and pigs? etc.; the wed- 
ding? etc., etc. 

My dear wife, kiss my miniature and believe it your husband. I 
have dreamed of you once or twice in my sleep. 

I have not yet had time to purchase any presents for you except one 
or two books, which I will read you on my return, " Tocqueville's Demo- 
cracy in America," etc. 

It is now .so dark that I cannot see, and I have no candle in my room. 

God bless you, my dear wife. 

Your loving*hu.sband, 

B. F. Perrv. 



COLI'MBIA, S. C, Friday evening. 

J/r Dear Ussy . — I am very much distressed that I have not heard 
from you, and had it not been for Cxeneral Thomp.son's arrival I should 
have been more so. He told me, however, that Mrs. Thompson saw you 
on Saturday and that you were well. I also understand that no packages 
were received from Greenville last mail. 

I have purchased a great many most beautiful presents for you in the 
way of books. You told me that you had rather have pretty books and 
pictures than anvthing else to adorn our centre table. I have purchased 
the ■• English Annual for 1839," " The Token for 1S38," "The Magnolia" 
Illustrations of Svria and Holy Land," large quarto with most splendid 
en<^ravintrs. Thev are all magnificenth- bound and have the most beauti- 



76 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

fill plates. I will send tliem to you by General Thompson's carriage, 
which returns to-morrow, with some other books which I have purchased. 

I have just seen your Uncle Robert, he says all are well in Charleston. 
He brought his two sous to college and they have entered. I have seen 
Mr. William Ed. Hayne also. I saw Governor Butler yesterday. Thej- 
all inquired aliout you. I was invited to Colonel McCords \esterday to a 
dinner party, but did not go. I am invited to-morrow to Governor 
Butler's, and he is to .send his carriage for me and Burt. 

The Legislature is not doing much yet, nor the Court of Appeals. I 
write Nou in great haste, but I have already written a much longer letter 
than Mr. Burt writes to his wife, which he does three times a week at our 
desk in my presence, and I might read one-half of them if I were dis- 
posed to look. 

You must write me ever>- mail and I will do the same. I gave your 
briefs to the Judges, and they spoke in praise of my great improvement in 
writing, all of which I will.lell \uii when we meet. 

Your husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



Coi,i-MBi.\, .S. C, December 2d, 183S. 

.l/r Did/ Love : — I have just returned from a dinner party at Gover- 
nor Butler's, and will wr. i.e you a few lines b}- Mr. Harrison, who returns 
to Greenville in General Thompson's carriage to-morrow morning. I al.so 
send 3'ou by Mr. Harrison a l)asket of 1)ooks and jiapers, and also a bundle 
containing a backgammon board and chessmen. In the basket of books 
you will find .some beautiful ainiuals. "The Magnolia," "The Token," 
" The Book of Beauty," " Illustrations of Syria and Holy Land." This 
last work is a most beautiful one, and you will read it and examine it with 
o^reat interest. I also send you as a present a splendid family Bible, 
eleo-antly bound. You will aLso find in the collection " Inklings," 
"Scott's Napoleon," "London Magazine," "Portrait Gallery," tliird 
volume in numbers: "Watt's on the Mind," "Outward Bound," 
" Irving's Works," three bundles of paper and one large blank book ; al.so 
" Statutes-at-Large " and " Political Ethics ;" al.so " The Young Wife." 
I hope you will receive these liooks as valuable presents from your hus- 
band, as well as the casters and candle-sticks .sent you by Mr. Wells. 

I have not purchased a silver cup yet, as they are all pretty high, and 
I have made so many other purchases I may not do .so at all. Your letters 
came in good time to-day. I was becoming very uneas>- and read them 



To His Wife. 77 

with great pleasure. The disappointment of Colonel Town.s and his 
intended bride must have been great and shocking. I hope, however, he 
is now well enough to be married. If you think best, you can direct Mr. 
Hoke to purchase two or three more hogs and have them killed ; that is, 
if you have good luck in salting away the one already killed. The money 
I will advance to you on my return. 

I am ver>' glad you have written a long letter to my mother, as it will 
afford the old lady great pleasure and make her love you the more. I 
know my parents to possess hearts filled with every kindness and affection 
honorable to our nature. 

I spent a very pleasant evening at Governor Butler's. Colonel Pres- 
ton, Judge Butler, General Thompson, Colonel McCord, Colonel Player, 
Mr. Burt, Mr. Cheves and Colonel Hammond and myself were the com- 
pany. Judge Butler expressed great anxiety al)out his little daughter's 
health on hearing Greenville was sickly. I assured him there was no 

danger. 

I have made only one .speech in the Legislature, and that one quite 
short. It was in opposition to Dr. Kindly' s taking his seat in the Legis- 
lature because he held a disqualifying office under the State. My oppo- 
sition prevailed. 

My dear wife, write me every mail if it be but one line I am begni- 
ning to be verj' anxious to see you and am constantly thinking of you. 
Good night. Your loving husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, S. C, Wednesday 5th, 1838. 
My Dear Wife.— I have just been to the post office and learned that 
the Greenville mail did not come in last night. The mails were not 
exchanged at Newbery, and the same one which went up came back. 
You do not know how I am distressed. I would give almost any con- 
sideration to receive one line from you informing me that you were well 
and not unhappy or lonesome ; how anxious I am to hear from you and 
know how you are doing. I have written to you three times a -.veek since 
I have been here, and hope you received all my letters. I hope also that 
you have received my valuable presents by Mr. Wells and Mr. Harrison. 
I intend to purchase something else for you to present nn'self, in proper 

person. 

Your Uncle Robert is still here, and I saw his two sons yesterday. 
They are in college, as I wrote you last week. I saw Colonel Taylor the 



78 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

other day for the first time since my arrival here. He spoke of his " little 
boy' ' with great pride, and said he was not very well. I have not seen his 
wife nor Mrs. Martin. In fact, I have no time to see any one or do any- 
thing. To-day I shall be engaged in Court. The case of Cleveland's Will 
was taken up yesterday, but not fini.shed. 

You do not know how anxious I am to return to Greenville. I feel 
as if I never could wish to leave there again without you were with me. 
I am really homesick. I am tired to death with legislation. There is 
nothing doing of any interest in the Legislature. No speeches have been 
made by any one. I did not go to the commencement in college. The 
day was rainy and cold. I understand, however, the ladies turned out in 
great numbers. Mr. Wardlaw is here and was at the commencement, and 
I suppose at the ball. Yesterday there was a grand review of the militia. 
I saw Colonels Fair and Taylor in full uniform and looking verj- well. 

I must now bid you adieu, my dear wife. Do write to me every mail, 
and write me every little thing that is going on. 

I am your loving husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, S. C, December 7th, 1838. 

My Dear Love : — I have neglected my business to-night for the pur- 
pose of writing you a long letter, or at least for the purpose of writing with 
more leisure than I have done heretofore. The rest of the members have 
all gone down to the State House to attend their different committees. 
The weather is cold, wet and disagreeable, and I am seated before a com- 
fortable fire writing a letter to my dear Liz. Who, would you say, could 
be more agreeably employed ? But, my dear wife, I do not feel alto- 
gether pleasant and comfortable. I have not heard from you to-night. I 
hope, however, that there are letters in the mail for me. which I will get 
on Saturday morning at the post office. You must know that letters 
reach here one night and are not delivered till next morning. I am truly 
anxious to hear from you, how you are and what j-ou are doing? 
— whether everything is going on well with your household. 

My uneasiness was increased to-day b}- a letter from Mrs. Burt to Mr. 
Burt, informing him that Greenville was very sickly, and that Colonel 
Towns was extremely ill and had sent for his l)rother. Dr. Towns. I 
know these things are always exaggerated, but Judge Butler and Judge 
Gantt are also quite uneasy about the sickness, and neither of them has 
heard from Greenville since General Thomp,son came down. It will be 
truh- a melancholy affair if Colonel Towns should die, and Miss Sloan be 



To His Wife. 79 

left, as it were, a bridal widow ; but the idea is too horrible to think of. 
I hope he is again convalescent, and will be able to claim his bride by the 
time I return home, so that I may accompany you at last to his wedding. 
The Legislature has agreed to adjourn on Wednesday, 19th inst., 
so I shall be at home on Friday night, 21st inst. How I long for the time 
to arrive. How slow it passes off in dull legislation. I have made 
several speeches lately ; spoke twice or three times to-day and was 
listened to with great attention. When I made one of my speeches the 
gallery was filled with ladies who had come in to hear and see. I wish 
you had been amongst them. I spoke in reply to Mr. McGrath. He is 
quite a clever speaker and a sensible man. This was his first speech, but 
he did not succeed in his motion. 

I saw your Uncle Robert this morning. He returns to Charleston 
this evening and will return again to Columbia next Wednesday. He 
looks quite well and seemed in good spirits. His two sons are in college, 
but I have not seen them since I wrote you last, when I was introduced 
to them by your uncle. 

I have been arguing my cases in the Court of Appeals. I have 
Snally gained the case of Colonel Barton, and it is now at an end. I lost 
the case of Mr. Choice's about Cleveland's Will. I have also lost the case 
of Perry Duncan against Cobb & Seaborn. The other cases of mine are 
to be argued to-morrow morning. 

The weather has been so bad that I have not been able to shop any 
this week. We had constant rain since last Sunday. You mu.st write 
what sort of present you had rather have. I feel now like I would buy 
for you anything you would request me to get. Shall it be a silver cup ? 
or a gold thimble ? or a little work-box ? or a key ba.sket ? or a little 
breast-pin ? or what else ? 

Have j-ou heard from Mrs. Cunningham since I left home? If you 
have not yet gone, I suppose you will hardly go ; but if she comes up and 
insists on your going, I will meet you there on Friday, 21st inst., and we 
will come home in the Aiken stage on Monday following I cannot stay 
longer, I must be at home. My business must not be neglected for any 
other consideration. 

I have nothing more to write you. I have already written you about 
every one I have seen. The weather has been so wet that I have not seen 
any one lately. Mr. Savage Hey wood and his lady (I think) are at this 
house, but I have no acquaintance with him. I believe, too, he is a mem- 
ber of the Legislature. Mr. Bull is also a memlier again. I spoke to 
him the other dav and he informed me that your mother had requested 



8o Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

him to say to me that they were all well. You write me, however, that 
Anne is not well. 

I ha\-e boujjht no more books, and do not intend to buy any more. I 
hope you will not read "The Young Wife " till I return home and then 
read it to me. We can read together and make comments as we go on. I 
admire the rules and advice there given very much. 

Powell and Brockman are with me, and we all do ver}' well together. 
Brockman and myself have frequent conversations. He is a very worthy 
man and I like him very much. He wishes to move to Greaiville village. 

But good-night, my dear wife, I must conclude. 

Your husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



CoLU-MBi.\, S. C, Sunda)' loth, 1838. 

My Dear Liz : — I received two letters from you yesterday morning, 
one of which I ought to have received the mail before. I assure you, my 
dear wife, that they gave me great pleasure and satisfaction, for 1 was 
becoming very unea.sj'. I am now better satisfied, but still impatient to 
get home. Time drags heavily with me. 

I was pleased to know that you were satisfied with the presents of 
books and casters sent you. I will not purchase any more books of auj' 
description. The short candle-sticks I will endeavor to get, and think, 
with you, that we ought to have a pair of them. I have been looking at a 
set of silver goblets or tumblers, and would like very much to have them, 
but do not think it prudent to purchase at this time. I will not, however, 
purchase any more glass tumblers, they are soon broken, and if we were 
to purchase a .set of silver ones, they would last an age. I have no doubt 
they are much cheaper in the end, and they are all the fashion, too. I 
like silver because it retains its value and is not destructible like gla.ss. 

I am glad that you are not lonesome, and that little Sally Sloane has 
been good enough to sleep with you constantly. You must feel lonesome 
in the daytime, having no one to talk to or see and be with you. 

I am truly sorrj' to hear that my horse is going blind. I hope you 
are mistaken, and that Colonel Hoke is also. Mr. Blassingam wrote me 
the other day that he was afraid it was so. It will be a great pity to lose 
so ])relty a horse. 

I hope that Colonel Dunton has returned before this time and brought 
>-ou letters and packages from your mother. You are very fond of open- 
ing packages I know, and especially when they contain pretty things. I 



To His Wife. 8i 

have not seen any one from Charleston lately. Your Uncle Robert has 
returned, and I have not seen Alston or Arthur since I wrote you before. 
We are not doing much in the Legislature. There will be a consider- 
able discussion next Tuesday on the sub-Treasury, and I may or may not 
make a speech. I have got through with all my business in Court 
except one case, which is postponed until next Spring. The result of 
them I do not yet know. 

You are mistaken in supposing that Mr. Colcock called me to the 
chair on account of yoiu" relation to him. Colonel Elmore was the first 
to suggest mv taking the chair, and on his suggestion Mr. Colcock made 
the motion. 'l saw Judge Colcock the other day, he looks shockuigly. 
Mrs Colcock is with him he told me, but I have not had time to see her. 
Miss Hazell is with Mrs. Heywood, and at this house, but I have not 
spoken to either of them, as I have not any acquaintance with them. 

I understand that Miss Jeter and Miss Noble are here. The ladies 
are visiting the gallery of the State House every day, and I suppose will 
make a great display next week. The Governor is to be inaugurated on 
Monday, and then the discu.ssion takes place on the subject of the sub- 
Treasury. . 

I must now conclude as I have several letters to write to-day, and 
other business to transact, although it is Sunday. Last night I was 
writing till twelve o'clock, and did not get to sleep till after two in the 
morning I drew up fifteen reports after nine o'clock ; reports on claims. 
You must write me if you wish anything in particular as a present 
on my return home. Your husband, 

B. P. Perry. 



Columbia, S. C. , Tuesday night. 

My Dear Liz —Your letter by Sunday's mail gave me great pleasure. 
I hope there is now one in the office for me. I cannot get it till morning, 
however as the post-office is not opened at night. Your letter gave me 
great satisfaction, to know that you were well and not lonesome. You 
wrote Miss Chick was spending the day with you, and that Mr. and Mrs. 
Buist had called to see you. 

We had cniite a display in the Legislature to-day. At twelve o clock 
the sub-Treasury came up for discussion. Mr. WarcVlaw left the chair, 
and the House resolved itself into a Committee of the W hole. The lad.es 
and visitors hearing that there was likely to be some discussion, came m 
and filled the galleries. There was .luite an interesting appearance of 



82 lyETTERS OF BENJAMIN F. PERRY 

beauty and fashion. Mr. Colcock opened the debate with a short speech, 
and I replied in a short one also. The House and the gallerj' seemed to 
listen more earnestly to me than they did to Mr. Colcock, I suppose 
because I was in the minorit}-. I made some allusions to Colonel Mem- 
minger and old party distinctions. He replied to me at .some length. 
Colonel Irby spoke next in reply to him, then Mr. Wardlaw in reply to 
Irb}-. Wallace Thompson spoke next in reph- to Wardlaw. Mr. Bellin- 
ger spoke in reply to Thompson. I replied again to Bellinger, and also 
to Memminger and Wardlaw. Phillips .spoke next ; Irby, Wardlaw, 
Thompson and Memminger all spoke again. By this time it was about 
five o'clock in the evening, but the ladies were still present, at least a 
good many of them. 

I have a good storj- to tell you, and one which I am afraid maj- make 
you a little jealous. Colonel Fair met me to-daj- as I was going into the 
State House, and said he heard a fine compliment paid me j^esterday by a 
lady. He was sitting in the gallerj- whilst the Governor was being inau- 
gurated, and some young ladies present were making their remarks about 
the different members. At length the question was put to one to point 
out the handsomest man she saw amongst the whole house. After look- 
ing some time, she pointed to a gentleman sitting at his desk with a bill 
in his hand, wearing spectacles and dressed in black, with a grave look 
and dignified air and manner. Who do you think the gentleman was thus 
selected from the whole House ? Your husband ! I inquired who this 
lady was and found that she was on her first visit to Columbia, and of 
exquisite taste, young, neat and of high rank. I will tell you her name 
when we meet. UxA. 

My dear wife, I am tired to death of this place, and wish most 
anxiously to return home again. If I had you with me I .should be better 
satisfied. I have, however, not much time to spare. I am at work like 
a slave, have too much to do, and am not disposed to continue in the 
Legislature, although I have acquired some reputation in the Legislature, 
or at least I flatter myself so. 

I have not made any further purchases of presents for you. I shall 
wait to hear from you. I hope you have heard from your mannna, and 
that Colonel Dunton has returned. 

Wednesday morning. 

I went to the office this morning and waited till it was opened, and 
had the pleasure of receiving a letter from ^-ou dated on Saturday last. It 
gave me great satisfaction. You do not know how anxious I am about 
you. If I do not hear from j'ou, I imagine that yon are sick or unwell. 



To His Wife. 83 

I am glad that yon are spending )-our time so agreeably, and that you 
are pleased with the presents sent you. I cannot give you any further 
information as to my law cases. I am going into Court this morning to 
hear the decisions of the Judges on them. 

I am sorry that Colonel Dunham has still not arrived, and that you 
have heard nothing from your mother. I suppose you have before this 
time. I think it very likely that Mrs. Cunningham will not come at all. 
I shall be at home without doubt on Friday night the 19th, a week from 
the time you will receive this letter. 

There was an unpleasant difficulty yesterday between Albert Rhett 

' and Judge Huger about some road which runs through Judge Huger's 

land. Judge Huger challenged him, and they were both bound over to 

keep the peace. I do not know what will be the consequence, whether 

they will yet fight or not. 

Your loving husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



Col. Johnson's, Friday morning. 

Dear Liz : — I hope you are much better and that you have not expe- 
rienced any pain since I left home. I shall expect to see you on Sunday 
quite well. 

I have purchased for you a milk white pony, with a long tail and mane, 
the tail touches the ground. He is as docile as a dog and paces delight- 
fully. You never saw so beautiful a creature in your life. I gave for him 
only $50.00. He looks like an Arabian steed. 

I am going to get pretty near all the votes in this part of the district. 
On Wednesday I addressed the company in the presence of a number of 
ladies, and amongst them Mrs. and Miss Toors and Miss Perry, etc. 

I shall be at home on vSunday, and I am exceedingly anxious to see 
you, and am a good deal displeased when I think of the situation in 
which I left you. In great ha.stc. God bless you and family. 

Your husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



84 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Pickens C. H., Tuesday morning. 

My Dear l.h . — I have hardh' time to write 3'ou that I am very 
much afraid I sliall not be able to return home from this place before I go 
to Anderson Court. Judge Evans did not get here till last night. There 
was, of course, nothing done ye.sterday, and we have a great deal of busi- 
ness in Court. It is possible I may get off Saturday morning : if so, I 
will return to Greenville and see my dear wife ; if not, I shall not be able 
to see you till the last of next week. You may vers' readily imagine my 
distress at being detained here, but I know you will be disposed to excuse 
me when you think it is business which keeps me from you. 

I have not heard anything about my election in Greenville. General 
Thompson is running far ahead in this district. If you will write me and 
send the letter to Judge Earle's to-night, Judge Evans' coachman will 
bring it in the morning to this place. I hope you will do so, if possible. 
Write me who are elected, and how many votes General Thompson gets. 

My dear wife, in great haste. Your loving husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



Pickens C. H., Thursday night. 

My Dear Liz : — Your letter was handed me this evening, and I 
assure you it gave me great pleasure and satisfaction. Not on account of 
the election (for that I had already heard), but to know that you were 
well and enjoying yourself in my absence ; that nothing had happened to 
worry or displease you, and that all of our little household was going on 
well. I am glad that your peaches ha\-e been brought and will very 
cheerfidly pay for all the sugar you may make use of in preser\nng them. 
I shall expect to see some nice preserves on my return. I hope you will 
not be vexed and disappointed in making them, as you were in your last 
effort in that way. 

Your cakes and gingerbread were much i)rai.sed b}- Major Henr\- and 
others on Sunday la.st. We stopped at the same spring where .\ou and 
Judge Johnson and my.self once dined on going from Pickens. Colonel 
Towns, Mr. Choice and Mr. Roberts were of our company, and partook 
of our repast by adding their own stock to ours. None of them, however, 
had any cake or gingerbread but myself. They pronounced it the nicest 
gingerbread they had ever eaten. We had quite a pleasant ride and a 
merry time. 

The white pony travelled remarkably well, and is much admired ; 
but the poor fellow has been unfortunate since he was stabled here. Some 



To His Wife. 85 

horse in the adjoining stall has very cruelly bit him on his back and 
shoulders, taking off the hair in two or three places. I had him moved 
into a different stall and he is now faring better. I was glad to hear from 
our " little adopted Fidelia." I am glad Sheriff continues to do well. 
The house as you described it would have been an interesting sight to 
your husband. 

I do not know whether I shall be able to .see j'ou on Saturday night 
or not. We tried yesterdaj' the case of Hester and Hagood, and I gained 
a great triumph over General Thompson and General Whitner. Every 
one says I made the best speech thej- ever heard from me. I gained the 
case. It has been in Court four years, and the costs have amounted to 
five or six hundred dollars. You never saw any one more rejoiced than 
my client Hester. After the jury returned with a verdict, he came to my 
room with a cup of sugar and a tumbler of brandy and insi.sted on treating 
me about ten o'clock in the night. 

To-da3' I defended a poor fellow who was tried for his life on a charge 
of forgerj', and succeeded in getting him acquitted. To-morrow we try 
the ca.se of Mr. Choice about Cleveland's Will. It will probably take two 
days ; but should we get through in one day, you may expect to see me 
at home Saturday evening, otherwise not till after Anderson Court. 

I am much gratified with the result of the election, and j'ou should 
^IoXlJu^ feel gratified to the people of Greenville for honoring your hu.sband so 
handsomely, as they have, in placing him far ahead of all the other candi- 
dates. I feel proud in still having their confidence and good opinion. 
General Thompson has beaten General Whitner one thousand or eleven 
hundred votes. Tell your mother that I accept her congratulations with 
much pleasure. 

Friday morning. 

I am now of opinion that it will be out of my power to return to 
Greenville before Anderson Court. You must keep house as well as you 
can without your husband. You can imagine your.self a little widow and 
sole mistress of the mansion. You have your mother and sisters with 
you, and I suppo.se you will hardly mi.ss me. But write to me on Sunday 
to Anderson by mail. Tell your mother and si.sters not to run off before 
I return, .should it be a month. In great haste ; .so nnich so that I hardly 
know what I am writing. Your husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



86 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Con'MBiA, S. C, Sundaj- night, 8 o'clock. 

A/j Dear Lis: — Like a good husband, I will employ the first leisure 
moment which I have in writing to you. I have just .seen Judge Gantt, 
and he says his sen'ant Bob will .start back to Greenville in the morning. 
If so, I will endeavor to send by him your shoes, etc. : but I am afraid 
there is not much calculation on any determination of Judge Gantt. 

I arrived here this evening about four o'clock, hiuigry and tired ; 
was disappointed in getting a room at Edgar's, and had to go all over 
town before I could get accommodations. I succeeded in getting a single 
room at Clark's old hotel, where all the lower county members stay : but 
my accommodations are nothing to boast of Mr. Petigru, who came a 
few minutes after I did, .said he thought at one time that he should have 
to sleep in the streets or be dependent on the charit}- of the public. He 
has got into the barkeeper's room. Cohnnbia is more crowded than I 
ever saw it. 

I came down in company \vith Judge Earle and Mr. Reed from Green- 
ville, and at Laurens we were joined by Colonel Irby, Mr. Young, Dr. 
Saxon, Captain Reed and Mr. Rogers. We were much crowded and had 
an unpleasant ride through .sleet and rain. I hope you have had rain in 
Greenville, but not such cold weather as we had on the road. 

I .saw Colonel Martin this evening. He saj's that Mrs. Martin is not 
so well as she ought to be : that all the rest of our friends in town are 
well. I have not seen your I'ncle Arthur, nor do I know that he is in 
Columbia. I met Colonel John Cunningliam and his bride in the passage 
just at dark ; was introduced to her lady. ship and gave them both my con- 
gratulations, but it was so dark I could not see her to judge of her 
features. She is short and rather stout. John seemed to be in fine spirits 
and quite happ)-. They are boarding at this house. He inquired after 
you and said that his father's family were expecting you, etc. I suppose 
he will remain here all the session. In some future letter I will give you 
a description of the bride. 

Now let me inquire how you and "Will" come on. How rfiuch 
pleasure it would give me to see j-ou with him in your arms to-night, to 
hear the little fellow's sweet, iiuiocent voice, and see his lovely smile, and 
watch your earnest look at him. I have scarcely left home and I am 
already so anxious to see you and be back again. If I could onlj- for one 
moment be .seated with you around the fire and have little Will cry a few 
minutes. Kiss him for me and luig him close to you for " Papa's" .sake. 
I love him the more because he bears in his face the image of yourself. 

If I have time I will write you a few lines to-morrow ; but I have so 
man}' things to do that I cannot call a minute mj- own. If I do not write 



To His Wife. 87 

to you often, be assured it is not because I am not thinking of 3'ou. You 
must write me all about yourself, Will, the servants, cows, hogs, dogs, 
house, lot, etc. I am afraid James will not attend to the stable well. 
Make him do his business, etc. 

Monda)-, 2 o'clock. 
Dear Liz : — I .saw your Uncle Artluir this morning, and he gave me 
the silver cup and spoon for Will from Aunt Benfon. It is very hand ' 
.some. Colonel Martin is elected Clerk of the .Senate, after seven ballot- 
ings. I write in a great hurry and have nothing more, but refer you to 
my letter in the Mountaineer for additional information. 

I saw Mr. Hayne and he inquired after you and Will. Kiss Will for 
me. Your hu.sband, 

B. F. Pkrrv. 



Columbia, Tuesday night, 9 o'clock. 

My Dear Liz.— I have just returned with your Uncle Arthur from 
the Agricultural Convention, where we staid two or three hours and 
listened to rather dull speaking. vSince I wrote you last. I have been ver\- 
much engaged, scarceh- a minute to spare until this evening. 

I have made a purchase for " Will," an ivory ring with a whistle in 
it for him to bite when teething. I am in treaty for a rattle for him, but 
have not purchased it yet. The jeweller asks $6.50 for it, the price was 
$8.00. It is a most beautiful thing, handsomely gilded, with an ivory 
handle. Your gaiter boots I will purchase to-morrow. If I have an>- 
opportunitN- I will send them. I have purchased a thermometer, a large 
one in a tin case, for $2.00. I see some beautiful little wagons for 
children, and if I can send one to Greenville by any conveyance, I will 
purchase it for Will, for I have heard >-ou wish one very much. 

I saw Mr. Taylor this evening, and he informed me that his wife was 
with Mrs. Martin. He inquired after you and Will, and I inquired how 

his son grew, etc. 

I had a most pleasant conversation with Mr. Petigru this morning. 
He is a man of uncommon originality and strength of mind, and humor 
unbounded. He inquired about Colonel Alston's case, and said he 
intended to make Alston give me a " refresher," that it was high time I 
had another fee. 

I was introduced this evening to Professor Lieber, of the .Soutli Caro- 
lina College, with whom you know I have been so long corresponding on 
the subject of the Penitentian,-. He expressed great pleasure at seeing 



88 Letters of Bexjamix F. Perry 

me, and I was much pleased with him. He says I must dine with him, 
Vjut as he had no wife he had to look out for something to eat first. We 
talked a long time. He said he had been to see me at the Tavern, but 
I was out. He is a man of great learning and pleasing appearance, with 
a foreign accent. 

Judge Butler met me as I was going to the post-office this evening 
with letters, and asked if I was writing to Madame, and said to Dr. 
q - Arnold, who was with me, that he liked me for my love for you. I have 

(j'fjiL^Vvnot seen Judge Hayue yet, but he was in the Senate this evening. 

I hope to-morrow evening to have a letter from you, biit shall not get 
it in time to add a po.stscript to this letter. 

Wednesday morning. 

I was aroused from my sleep last night about three o'clock by fire. 
It broke out within 150 yards of the hotel and illuminated eventhing. I 
got up, dressed and went out to where it was, and saw an immense crowd 
looking on, and the building sinking beneath the flames. The fire did 
not spread and no great loss occurred. 

I look forward to the reception of a letter from you this evening with 
much interest. It seems as if I had been from home a month. How I 
should like to see you dress little Will this morning, and hear him cry 
and grunt at the application of cold water. Kiss the little fellow and take 
good care of him. for he is a jewel above all value. 

I may not have time or anything more to write yon to-day. God 
bless you, niy dear wife. 

I am your affectionate husband, etc., 

B. F. Perry. 



CoLiMBi.\, Thursday night. 

Mv Dear Liz : — It is now nine o'clock, and I will write you a few 
lines before I retire to bed. I am sure that I shall not have time to write 
you to-morrow before the mail closes. 

Your letter gave me great satisfaction, and I read it over twice with 
great attention. There is a pleasure which can be better felt than told in 
hearing from those we love, and from whom we have been separated e\-en 
a few daj's. I as.sure you that I envy you much more the crying and 
screaming of " Will '' every night, than you can me the quietness of my 
sleep. I would forego the sleep of two nights to hear him crj- one at 
present. But I am glad he is so bright and so good, and will excuse him 
for not caring more for my absence. 



To His Wife. 89 

I purchased for you to-day a pair of gaiter shoes ($2.50). They are 
very good and nice ones, and will wear all Winter. I was trying to get 
you a work-basket, but did not come across one to suit me. I have not 
purchased the rattle for Will, I dislike giving so much for it. Dr. Irvine 
will be here next week on his return from Charleston to Greenville, and I 
will send you b>- him the silver cup and spoon, the gaiter shoes, the ivory 
whistle and ring for Will, and the rattle and basket, if I purcha.se them. 

I saw Albert Rhett this morning who inquired after you, and also 
Mr. Ramsay, who asked about you. I have not seen the resolutions you 
mention in your letter. I have been placed on the committee to which all 
the memorials and presentments about spirits have been referred, and I 
had a conversation with Rhett on the subject this morning. He has the 
matter greatly at heart, and he wishes to make drunkeiniess an indictable 
offence and take from the habitual drunkard all his property and give it 
to his children or next of kin. 

We have done very little in the Legislature yet. To-morrow I am to 
argue the case of Mr. Alston's in the Court of Errors. Mr. Petigru will 
assist me. Next Tuesday the House of Representatives will resolve itself 
into a Committee of the Whole and take up mj- bill to alter the Constitu- 
tion. I have not yet made my report on the Penitentiary. 

I saw M^Sims, the novelist, this evening. He came up to me and 
made himself known, and gave me a pressing invitation to call and see 
him as I went to Charleston in the Spring, and that he intended visiting 
the upper country next Summer with a view of getting materials for a 
novel. He asked me to send him my " Revolutionary Incidents." 

I was truly sorry to hear that Victoria behaved so badly, and that the 
poor calf is dead. I was afraid James would not take care of things well. 
I hope you will make Minerva milk Rose well or she will soon go dry. 

Your Uncle Arthur is still in Columbia. Mr. Petigru suggested to 
me the propriety of his running for the Presidency of the Railroad. He 
stands no chance of being elected President of the State Bank. 

I hope you and Will have paid some pleasant visits, and that his new 
hat fits better than the other. I have very pleasant company at this hou.se, 
all from the lower country ; but there is no company like yours and 
Will's. Good night, my dear wife, 

B. F. Pekry. 



go Letters of Benjamin P'. Perry 

Columbia, Monday, ii o'clock. 

My Dear Liz : — I received your letter this morning, and was so much 
pleased with it that I will answer it instead of going with the other mem- 
bers of the Legislature to attend the College Commencement. I had 
rather spend an hour in writing to you than in hearing the college boys 
speak, or even look at the beauty and fashion which ma>- be there assem- 
bled this morning. 

I was truly glad to hear tliat you and Will, the servants, cows, etc., 
were all well. I was also glad to hear your views in relation to the course 
to be pursued on the various matters likely to come before the Legisla- 
ture. I will give them my best consideration. 

As soon as they return from college, I make my report on the Peni- 
tentiary. It was read in committee on Fridaj* and ordered to be reported, 
etc. To-morrow my bill about the Judges comes up for consideration. It 
will, no doubt, produce some discussion. 

I am very glad that your I'ucle Arthur is so warm a friend of mine. 
He is here yet, but tliere is no hope of his being elected. Mr. Middleton 
came to me yesterda\-, and said from the relation in which I stood towards 
him, I might advise him to withdraw ; but this I declined. 

J saw Arthur and Alston yesterdaj-. They came to see their uncle 
at Clark's, and I showed them some attention. Their mother will be 
here next week. The furniture has been sent up. They appear to be 
very clever boys and I like them. 

I saw Mr. Wm. Ed. Hayne this morning. We spoke about jour 
mother's removal to Greenville. It is, my dear wife, a great thing to be 
independent, although poor. I feel proud that I am able to live in com- 
fort and be independent of the world. But every one should reduce their 
wants to their means ; they are unhappy if they do not, and if they do 
they are happy ; but I know and am proud that \ou think with me. 

Yesterday I saw General Hdwards, who inquired kindly after you. 
Dr. Lieber invited me to dine with him to-day, but I declined. I have 
not seen much of Mrijohn Cunningham. John applies for admission 
to-morrow and he has been reading pretty hard. Powell also applies and 
comes to me for a certificate of good moral character, which I refused to 
give, and I have no doubt he is displeased. 

Yesterday was Sunday, and in the evening I walked with Judge o. v 
Evans to the flower garden of RavCTiel, and looked at his hot house, SiUlAJcL 
plants and curiosities, trees, etc. It is a pretty garden. 

My dear wife, how could you inquire if I had time to read j-our 
letters. I wish you would write every mail. I feel lonelj- when I go to 
the office and do not secure a letter from you. 



To His Wife. 91 

I will send 3'ou a package by Dr. Irvine. Your gaiter boots are nice 
ones. 

I must now conclude as I have to write to Well.s also this morning. 
Kiss Will for me. Yours, etc., 

B. F. Perry. 



CoH'JiBiA, Wednesday morning. 

My Dear Liz . — I liave just purchased for j'ou one of the prettiest 
and most substantial work-baskets you ever saw. I gave for it $1.50. 
It has a cover and a handle at each end and one on top. I am sure you 
will be pleased with it, and also with the neat and substantial gaiter 
boots, and likewi.se with the ring and ivorj- whistle for Will. I have not 
purchased his rattle yet because they a.sk too much, -^6.50, though it is 
very pretty. I am sorrj' that Dr. Ir\'ine is not going directly to Green- 
ville. He goes to Rutherford. I maj- send them by him however ; but 
this will be putting him to great inconvenience. I understand there is a 
gentleman from Tennessee going to Greenville in the stage, I may .send 
them b}^ him. 

I have nothing of interest to write you, but am becoming very impa- 
tient to return home and meet you and Will. I met a pretty little baby 
about his size in the street 3'esterda\', and almost stopped still to gaze at 
the little creature. Twelve months since I should have passed bj- the 
little thing without noticing or even .seeing it ; but oh, how my heart 
moved when I saw it, and thought of our precious little boy. How one's 
feelings do change and soften towards children after they have one of 
their own. You are right, we ought to be very thankful for this little 
innocent pledge of our love and happiness. 

I was in the Court of Appeals }-esterda\'. The students were 
examined, and Powell and Mr. Cunningham amongst them. I have not 
heard whether they were admitted or not, but understand they all 
answered questions very poorlj' and ought to be rejected. Powell applied 
to me for a certificate of moral character, which I refused to give him. 
He then got one of Whitfield. 

I nuLSt now go to breakfast, and will add a postscript in the State 
House if I have anything further to write. I hope to receive a letter from 
you this evening. Your affectionate husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



92 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Wednesdaj' evening, 3 o'clock. 

My Dear Wife : — I have been all day engaged in the Court of 
Appeals, and the Legislature had to adjourn in consequence of my 
absence. This makes me an important person in the House. My bill 
about the Judges came up and was laid on the table in con.sequence of ni}' 
not being present, and the House having no other business adjourned. 

Powell is rejected and verj- much provoked. Mr. Cunningham is 
admitted. The Judges laugh a good deal at Powell's examination, all of 
which I will tell j-ou when I have the pleasure of meeting you, mj- dear 
Liz, again. 

I have not yet had dinner. I gained my ca.se in Court to-day ; ca.se 
of Me. Daniel's, but lo.st Alston's the other day. 

I met Dr. Hardy, of Ashville, this morning, with his wife under his 
arm ; he .seemed ashamed to see me, married so .soon after the first wife's 
death. She is good looking and may be called handsome. I only saw 
her in the street. 

Mr. McBee is spoken of as President of the Railroad. 

I have just seen Randal Croft. Whil.st we were talking in the street. 
Miss Marshall passed and .spoke to Croft. I left them. 

I hope to receive a letter from you at four this evening. 

B. F. Perry. 



CoLUMBi.'v, Friday moniing. 

;)/)' Dear Wife : — I was very glad to recei\'e your last letter, although 
you gave me a terrible scolding about the rattle. I believe now I will not 
buy it, but I am afraid it will be impos.sible to get the little wagon carried 
up if I purchase it. However, if I can find an^- conveyance, I will send 
it up. 

I am very hap]>y to hear from you that all is going on well in my 
absence, and that you are spending your time jileasantly. I am sure with 
little Will you ought to lie hai)py. If I had him here, I could be happy 
whilst ki.ssing the little crying fellow ; but I am very anxious to get back 
and .see you. The time seems long. Your last letter was taken out of 
the post-office by General Whitner, and handed me in the State House 
whilst I was sitting on a conunittee and listening to Albert Rhett .speak, 
ing on the subject of temperance. I became very impatient to read the 
letter before he and Judge O'Neal concluded their speeches. I like 
General Whitner. He said there were other letters in the post-office for 
me, but that he only had money to take out the one from my wife. He 
happened there as the mail was opened. 



To His Wife. 93 

Your Aunt Bentoii has arrived in Columbia. I saw William Hayne 
yesterday, he is pretty well. William seemed rather "drooping;" he 
came up to Clark's Hotel and was walking about in the passage as if very 
much abstracted. I told him Mr. Cunningham was here and that Mrs. 
Cunningham was expected to-dav. H« then walked with me towards the 
State House, inquired for Mrs. J^ ■ <i^ ■ cL ^ etc. I saw him again at Clark's 
at night. He had not seen Mrs. Cunningham, but told me he had seen 
Simon . 

Randal Croft was here yesterday and could not find a place to sleep, 
and I had to give him a part of my bed. He told me that he was at Mr. 
Cunningham's not long since, but Pamela was sick or unwell, and he did 
not see her. 

I made a speech the other day on my Judges' bill and have to make 
another to-day. I will write you about it if I have time this evening. I 
received a letter from Mr. Wells, saying you were in fine spirits, and he 
had offered to assist you in any way his family could, etc., etc. 

I niu.st now go to my breakfast. Having written this letter to you 
and a long one to Wells since I got up ; am I not smart ? 

Friday evening. 
The House has just adjourned, and I have succeeded in ordering my 
bill to be reported to the House. The particulars I will give in my next. 

Good-bye, my dear wife, 

B. F. Perry. 



CoLUMi!i.\, Sunday morning. 

My Dear Wife . — I hope to get a' letter this evening. You must 
write me by every mail. I am sure you would if you knew how much 
pleasure your letters gave me, and how unhappy I am when I do not 
receive one. I am very tired of Columbia, and very anxious and impa- 
tient to return home. It makes me feel very unpleasant when I think at 
night that you are all alone, as it were, with little Will in your arms, 
crying and fretting and no one to a.ssist you . It even makes tears roll 
down my cheeks now whilst writing to think of it. I will not leave you 
so long again, but I hope you employ your time pleasantly with little 
Will. He is indeed " a precious morsel," and I would give anything to 
see you and him this morning. It is now twenty minutes after ten and I 
suppose you are preparing for church, as it is a most delightful day. 

I closed my last letter to you very abruptly, as it was just after a long 
and interesting discussion on the Judiciary Bill, in which I had been sue- 



94 Lktters of Bkxjamin F. Perry 

cessful, and which I promised to give you an account of in this letter. I 
opened the debate, and Thompson, of Spartanburgh, replied. Wardlaw 
spoke on my side. Bellinger, Elliot, Philips and Thompson, of Union, 
spoke against us. The gallery was full of ladies — Mr. Cunningham 
and his bride amongst them. After three hours' discussion, in which 
I spoke twice and Wardlaw twice, the bill was reported to the House 
by a vote of 48 to 42. I think that I acquitted myself pretty well, 
especially in my last .speech ; but I am afraid the bill will not pass, 
as it takes a majoritj' of two-thirds to pass a bill to amend the Constitu- 
tion. Judge Huger has introduced a bill in the Senate to give Judge 
Gantt $1,500 and excu.se him from circuit duty ; but it will not pass. 

I was mistaken about Professor Lieber's family. He has a wife, but 
she is not at home, and this induced me to make the mistake. He said I 
must put up with his humble fare, that he was all alone, etc. He after- 
wards told me that Mrs. Lieber was not at home. I declined taking 
dinner with him on the day of commencement, but he says he wishes me 
and all those of my committee who are in favor of a penitentiary, to do so 
some day yet. I have no time to go anywhere or see any one. My time 
is constantly and laboriously occupied, but I hope I am acquiring some 
little reputation by it. 

I saw Mr. Ravenel yesterday ; he is just from town and saw your 
mother and sisters a day or two since. Anne was not so well. He said 
your mother was ver\- much pleased with the idea of moving to Green- 
ville. 

Mr. McBee has been elected the President of the Railroad with a 
salary of $4,000. He is very much elated with his election, I under.stand, 
and says he is proud that the mantle of General Hayne .should have fallen 
on him. 

I ha\-e written to Mr. Blasingame and requested him to look at the 
cows and hogs, and see if James is managing them well, and to let you 
know if anything is going amiss. 

I have been induced to buy more books. Thej- were selling so cheap 
I could not resist. I have bought some most beautiful annuals for 1840, 
parlor scrap book, etc., etc., ver)- cheap; onefor$i.5o, which sells for $5.00, 
and several others in same proportion. " Cooper's Naval History" for 
$2.75, which sells for $6.00. "Scott's Commentaries of the Bible," 
which used to sell for $25.00, I got for $4.50. You mu.st not .scold me a 
great deal — ^just a little. Farewell, my dear wife, 

B. F. Perrv. 



To His Wifk. 95 

Columbia, Wednesday morning. 

My Dear Wife : — I received your letter of Thursday last on Sunday 
evening, after I had written to you in the morning. The Postmaster 
after great persuasion, opened the office for me, contrary to his rules. 

I am very happy to hear you are spending your time pleasantly, and 
that your neighbors are disposed to be more kind to you in consequence 
of your being alone. This proves to you what I have always said, that 
the people of 'Greenville had genuine kindness, kindness which would 
never be wanting when needed by their friends and acquaintances. Theirs 
is not politeness but kindness. It comes not from a polished exterior, but 
from a good heart. 

I suppose Mrs. Butler's compliments to me in Will's likeness and 
nose, are a sort of return for the interest which I manifested in her 
brother's (Commodore Oliver H. Perry) reputation. She is a warm- 
hearted woman with strong feelings and prejudices. You can never rely 
on her judgment, though you may always on her impulses and feelings. 
But that Will's nose should look like mine is preposterous ; I only wish it 
did. There may be more truth in the observation of Mrs. Mays that he 
smiled like me. Mrs. Mays is an unsophi.sticated, frank, good lady, pos- 
sessing a good mind. I am very much pleased that y9ur hat for Will is 
so much admired, but much more pleased that your skill and intlustry 
should be admired, and that your character for courage and perfection as 
a good wife, should be duly appreciated by others as it is by your 
husband. 

Your Uncle Arthur has declined being a candidate for the Presidency 
of the Bank, and has been nominated as one of its directors. He is still 
here. William Hayne has returned to Charleston. Mr. Cunningham 
and his bride have gone to Abbeville. 

I have not seen your Aunt Benton yet. General Edwards asked me 
the other morning if I had been to see her. He said he would like to see 
her, but he was afraid it might be unpleasant to her and .should not call. 
I may call at the house before I leave Columbia. 

I told Burt yesterday of your undertaking to give me directions as to 
my course in the Legislature, which pleased him very much. I like Burt 
very much. I introduced your Uncle Arthur to him, and your uncle is 
very much pleased with him, speaks in high terms of him and calls him 
my friend. 

I hope to receive another letter from you this evening. Do write me 
every mail. I have a great deal to tell you when we meet, but have not 
time to write you much. My business increases here and I have less time 
every day. 



96 Letters of Ben7Amin F. Perry 

I must now conclude, my dear Liz. Kiss our little boy for me. I 
hope he does not cry much and has grown a great deal. I long to see 
you both. Your husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, Friday morning. 

J/i' Dear Liz : — I have received all your letters and they have given 
me great pleasure and satisfaction. In fact they have been the only things 
which reconciled me to this place, for I assure you I am heartily tired of 
legislation and Columbia. Your letter by Wednesday's mail was received 
this evening, and I read it over twice before I read anj- of the other letters 
which came to me. 

I have purchased the little wagon, the neatest thing you ever saw ; 

it has a top and handsomely rigged off. I gave for it $5.00. I have also 
bought for Will the mo.st convenient thing you ever saw : it is a basket 
chair with arms on each side and a table in front, so that he can neither 
fall out or turn over. It is ju.st as safe as if he was in the arms of his 
nurse. You can put on the table his playthings. It cost $3.00. I have 
had them both packed up and carefullj' covered with a mat, and the stage 
contractor has promised me to let them go up on top of the stage free of 
expen.se. You see I will have a great many things to show you when I 
return home. If I can get any shoes for Will I will do .so. 

I think I shall be at home next Friday night. I will endeavor to get 
off two days l)efore the Legislature adjourns, so as to avoid a crowd, and 
meet my wife and son sooner than I otherwise should. 

Your ITncle Arthur had an interesting talk with me the other evening 
about your mother and her affairs. He said her connection with me gave 
him the greatest satisfaction : that he felt happy when he thought of it, 
and knew that she had one so nearly connected with her who was so 
capable of being her protector and friend. 

I have nothing new to write. I told Colonel Brockman that you 
inquired what had become of him, which seemed to please him very much. 
He did not come up from Charleston until the latter part of the first week 
of the session. We sit near each other in the Legislature, but board at 
different hou.ses. 

I am boarding with low county members entirely, and like them ver>' 
much ; but I have not time to associate much with them. 

Mr. McBee started home after his election and they sent for him to 
come back again. The Charleston people do not like his being elected 
nt ;ill : but he is not going to resign to please them. 



To His Wife. 97 

I must now go to breakfast, and immediately after breakfast I have 
to meet a committee, and immediately afterwards have to take my seat in 
the House, where I will have to sit till four o'clock in the evening, then I 
come home and get my dinner and perhaps a letter from you, then I have 
to go back and meet a committee till eight or nine, then come home and 
get supper, then write reports and letters till eleven or twelve o'clock, 
then to bed and up in the morning by daylight, and often I am by candle- 
light Good morning, my dear wife ; kiss little Will for me. 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, Tue.sday night. 
My Dear Lizzv.—l could not write you by the la.st mail. I was 
busily engaged in making speeches and replying to speeches in the House 
of Representatives until the mail had closed. We had quite an interesting 
discussion on Monday relative to the Richland election. Mr. Rhett, 
Bellinger, Dudley and mvself on one .side, and Wardlaw, Henry, Colonel 
Hunt, Elliott and Thompson on the other. I have been very much com- 
plimented since my arrival here on account of my address last Summer on 
the Presidential election. Colonel Memminger told me it was the best 
article of the kind he had ever seen, and that if all the members had 
made such an address to their constituents throughout the ITnited States, 
Harrison would never have been elected. Colonel Dudley told me that 
my address was the text book of all the Democrats in the eastern part of 
the State ; that it was more sought after and spoken of than any other 
paper and that there was great inquiry with the common people to know 
all about me, what I was and who I was ? Several other members have 
introduced themselves to me and said they became acquainted with me 

through my address. 

When the House was organized. Colonel Hunt and McGrath came to 
me and requested me to call Colonel Davie to the chair, which I did. So 
far we have had quite a pleasant .se.ssion. I have met a great many of my 
friends and acquaintances, who seemed glad to find me in the Legislature 

I saw Mr Havne this morning ; he says they are all well in Charles- 
ton I have also seen Mr. Martin and Taylor, who inquired after you all. 
I have not yet had an opportunity of going to see Mrs. Hayne or sending 
to her your present, but will do so in the morning. 

Whilst passing up street to-day, I stepped into the jewellers 
store and purchased a present for you of great value, one which will last 
a great while and be of great service to us. I think it is the best present 



98 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

I can make you, but I will not tell you what it is. I have also bought 
some books, and one which I know you will admire ; I will send it to you 
by Colonel Towns. As yet we have had no auction of books in Columbia. 
I have seen a beautiful copy of " Nicholas Nickleby," which I will pur- 
chase. I have not yet made any purchase for " Will," but tell him to be 
a good boy and I will bring him a beautiful pre.sent in the shape of a hat 
or some other equally useful article of dress. I think ver\- often of you 
all, and would give a great deal if I could only transport myself for a few 
minutes into the room where you are seated with Will. I hope you will 
learn him to talk before I return. 

You must write me how you are all doing, how your mother's house 
comes on and the news of Green\'ille. We had a tolerably pleasant trip 
down to Columbia. I am glad I did not bring your mother's carriage 
and horses, as the roads became bad after the rain. I hope to hear from 
you by to-morrow's mail. You must write me every mail, and I will 
write j'ou as often as I can. 

It now only wants twenty minutes of twelve o'clock in the night and 
I must close my letter. I have taken a \-ery active part for Colonel 
Towns in his election. I think he will be elected ver\- easily. 

Kiss Will for me and give my love to your mother and the young 
ladies. Tell them I have been thinking of a suitable present to make 
them, but have not yet determined in ni)- own mind what it should be. 

Good. night, my dear wife, God bless you and protect you. 

Yours, etc., 

B. F. Perry. 



Coi.rMBi.\, Friday morning. 
Mv Dear Wife: — I received your letter on Wednesday evening, 
and I have seldom read one of your letters with more interest and plea- 
sure. It would not do for me to say that I read it with more interest 
than I did }-our letters before we were married. The opinion of the world 
is that persons feel more interest in hearing from each other whilst the}- 
are wooing and courting than at an)- other time. I am sure, howev-er. 
that I take more interest in you and love you more than I did before we 
were married, and no one who knows my heart could have accused me 
of loving you less than I ought to whilst addressing you and whilst we 
were engaged. I think love increases between those who are happilj^ 
married and are worthy of being loved, more especially if they have such 
a pledge as little Will to unite them. I was much pleased at the story 
you told of the little fellow mistaking Dr. Crook for me, and shed tears ol 



To His Wife. 99 

jo)- whilst reading your letter. He has not forgotten me, but I am afraid 
he will before I return. Should he do so, I suppose it will not be a hard 
matter to form an acquaintance with the young gentleman again ; an 
invitation to "go and .see the horses" will be introduction enough. How 
I should like to see the little fellow this morning in his night gown, 
strutting from the bed to the fire-place. I hope jou keep him warm at 
night and prevent him from crawling out from under the cover. 

I sent your mother's letter and presents to Mrs. Hayne yesterday 
morning by a servant. She is quite well and said she was very much 
obliged to me, etc., -and would be glad to see me. I will call on her soon, 
but I am so busy that I hardly have time to do anything. I find every 
thing very pleasant here. The members of the Legislature express great 
kindness and respect for me, my opinion and speeches. They all com- n^, ■ ^ 
pliment my address of last Summer. Governor Memmiger told me he had tf^e/WX^ OAi 
it read at a public meeting of the citizens of Marlborough district. . . ^ 

Your stoiy about George Williamson was quite amusing. According Wdh/l'kctM^ 
to your account you have almost discovered in him a relation. Old 
George is a very good old fellow, and I believe has always been a good 
friend of mine. 

Albert Rhett took supper with me the other evening at this house, 
and inquired very particularly about you and your mother, and said he 
knew you all very well whilst in New Haven ; he inquired whether your 
mother was living with me or separately, whether building, etc. I like 
him verj' much, and we generally take the same side in speaking, and 
have been both complimented bj- the Whig paper in this place for our 
course on the contested election in Columbia, which is now before the 
Legislature. My old friend, Judge Huger, arrived here last night and 
took lodgings at this house. We sat together at breakfast and had a long 
talk over matters and things in general. ^^iJj]i5U 

There is a young man by the name of Huston who was introduced to 
me by Albert Rhett ; he is from Beaufort, and a candidate for Solicitor of 
that circuit. Is he not some relation of yours ? It seems to me I have 
heard you say that you had relatives by that name. He is a relation of 
the Colcocks ; but I can't vote for him in opposition to Colonel Edwards. 
He appears to be a modest, sensible man, and did not mention to me that 
he was a candidate. Colonel Edwards first told me of it. 

I attended the cattle show on Wednesday ; there was no cow shown 
that I would have given Victoria for. You mu.st write me how the pigs, 
horses and cows come on. I am to get from Summer, of Newber>', some 
Berkshire pigs in the Spring. They are most beautiful. 



loo Letters ok Benjamin F. Perry 

I write you in great haste. Give mj- love to all and kiss Will for me, 
and if he don't behave well give him a slap for me and tell him I would 
have done so if I had been there. I dreamed the other night that he 
could talk and repeat any word that you pronounced. 

Your affectionate hu.sband, 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, Sunday afternoon. 

My Dear Liz : — I went to church this morning and will spend the 
evening in writing to you. I saw Bishop Gadsen confirm forty or fifty 
persons this morning in the Episcopal Church. The most of them were 
young ladies, some few young men and half a dozen negroes (colored 
people). I sat with Colonel Ben Taylor in a pew with his wife and 
daughters, one of whom was confirmed. Colonel Taylor inquired the 
other day about your mother, and whether Anne's health was better. 
There were a great many persons in church. I saw your aunt, Mrs. 
General Hayne in church, but had no opportunitj- of speaking to her. 
She looks very much broken and begins to wear the appearance of an old 
lady. I will call and see her to-morrow or the next day. I met Bishop 
Gadsen in the post oflBce, who inquired very kindly after my family. Mr. 
Holmes inquired after your mother, and told me he had taken Beaufort F. 
Watts for me the other night, and asked after Mrs. McCall ; Watts 
replied he did not know. Holmes asked if she was not in Greenville ; 
Watts replied he did not know. Holmes asked if he was not addressing 
Mr. Perry and the mistake was discovered. 

I will send you by Colonel Towns a box containing a set of decanters, 
four in number, a dozen tumblers and a dozen cups and saucers ; also a 
dozen silver forks and a dozen small ones ( I mean German .silver) ; steel 
forks are out of fashion and German silver has taken their place. They 
were very cheap, the small ones $4.00, and the larger size $6.00 ; the 
butter knives were $3.00, the cups and saucers $4.00, decanters $13.00, 
tumblers, $4.50, the labels for spirits, $1.50. You must not .scold me; 
ever>thing was so pretty and cheap I could not resist the temptation. 
The cups and saucers and tumblers we absolutely needed. The decanters 
I desired very much. I thought the forks would please you. I will send 
you also " The Young Ladies' Friend," a book of great value and pleas- 
ing. The chapter on neatness reminded me very much of you and your 
neatness. I am delighted with the book. 



To His Wife. ioi 

I saw the Greenville stage pass by my window just now, and I went 
to the office hoping to hear from you, but I found the office shut and the 
mail bags lying in front of the office ; I could see no one and had to 
return. It would give me great pleasure to hear from you, but I ought 
hardly to expect it from your last letter. 

For politics, I refer you to my letters to Wells in the Mountaineer. 
You need have no fears on the subject of the penitentiary, I will not start 
the question in any objectionable way. 

I will to-morrow buy Will a hat and send it by Towns. If I do not, 
I will bring it with me, also some of your books named in your last letter, 
and some presents for you and mother and Susan and Anne. 

If I have time I will write you again to-morrow ; if I have not, j'ou 
must take the will for the deed. 

I have a bad cold and made two speeches last night, which gave me 
a cough, and I am not so well this evening. Kiss Will for me and teach 
him to talk. Yours, etc., 

B. F. Perry. 

Monday night. 
I went to see your Aunt Bewton this morning, but she had gone to 
church. I will call again' before I leave town. I did not hear from you 
by Sunday's mail. I could not get Will's hat to-day ; I went into a great 
many stores, but they had no Leghorn or straw hats that would suit him. 
I will try again before I return. I have a dreadful cold, and am so hoarse 
1 can hardly speak so as to be heard at all. 



Columbia, S. C, Friday morning. 
My Dear Lizzy . — I received your long letter of advice and counsel 
on Wednesday evening, for which I thank you most kindly, and which I 
read with great interest and infinite amazement. Some portions of your 
letter I repeated to Mr. Burt, which .seemed to please him very much. I 
presented your compliments to him and also yours and mother's to Albert 
Rhett Burt said he intended to have called to see you at Court, but 
uec-lected doing .so. Albert Rhett said he was once verj' intimate with 
your mother and familv, that his intimacy had been broken off or inter- 
rupted by what he supposed the displeasure of General Hayne. That on 
some occasion he had advised your mother contrary to the advice of 
General Hayne, who resented it with marked coldness towards him. Mr. 
Rhett re-retted that he had not seen more of your mother, and that their 



I02 . Letters ok Benjamin F. Pekky 

former friendship had in the slightest been interrupted for some years 
past. 

I received a letter from your Uncle Arthur bj- Colonel Gadsen, intro- 
ductory merely, and thanking me for the interest I had taken in his elec- 
tion last Winter. He wrote to Mr. Burt also by Colonel Gadsen. We 
have both received letters from him since introducing to us a man who is 
from the North getting subscribers for an engraving of General Hayne. 
I do not think the engraving a good one ; it is a small print about the 
size of the one I have of Lafayette. Your Aunt Bemon sent me word the 
next day after I had called to see her that she was sorr>- she was not at 
home, and would be glad to see me at any time, and that I must call 
again and see her. I will do so, perhaps, to-day ; but I am really so busy 
that I have not time to see any one. 

We are getting on very pleasantly in the Legislature. Colonel Daw- ^« «- 
kins has been elected Solicitor of the Middle Circuit : your Cousin Martin <V-^^^"^ 
has been beaten. I have not become acquainted with Mr. Fuller, but I 
discover there is a member by that name. Chancellor Dunkin inquired 
after you ven,- kindly the other day and so did Judge Huger. Mr. Burt, 
Judge Huger and my.self have taken our seats together at a small table 
for dinner, supper, etc. We always have the same seats and con\-erse a 
great deal, and long after all the others have eaten and gone. I think 
Judge Huger the finest specimen of a Carolina gentleman I have ever 
seen ; he becomes better looking as he grows older, and it is the remark 
of every one that he looks like a Roman Senator. 

We have had considerable debate in the House on various matters, 
and on one question between the upper and lower country, I was the first 
to show my zeal in favor of the former, so you need be under no appre- 
hension of my being caught in wrong company. 

I have bought " Nicholas Nicholby," " Pickwick Papers," " Men at 
Arms," by James; "Moore's Life of Byron," etc. I got them all 
cheap. I have bought a complete set of Bulwer's novels for the female 
library, in twenty volumes, at twelve and a half cents a volume, and they 
are bound. I have not made many purcha.ses for the library yet, but will 
lay out the funds given me advantageously, you may tell Dr. Crook. 

I am sorry to hear James has been thrown and hurt ; he had better 
not ride the hor.se any more ; the horse, too, had better be allowed to run 
in the lot which you enter from the garden occasionally, as that will make 
him less frolicsome. If the weather turns cold, you had as well get Allen 
to help John kill the hogs, such of them as are fat enough, but it is a 
niatter of no difference, and therefore do as you think best. Make James 



To His Wife. 103 

feed the calf better, and tell John I want the cow to look well when I 
return. 

I hope you are "getting on," as the saying is, very well. I hope 
little Will does well ; how I should like to see the dear little boy. I have 
not been able to get him a hat yet, although I have hunted a second time. 
I have engaged a music box for Anne, if I like it when I .see it ; the 
jeweller said it played some pretty tunes, and he could get it for me for 
$5.00. I saw a beautiful gold thimble at $6.00, which I had a thought of 
getting for Susan, as .she is pretty dexterous with her needle ; it is a beau- 
tiful article, and will alwaj's be " worth its weight in gold." I have not 
determined on a present for you and your mother. Write me what you 
wish. 

In great haste, as I have to go down to the State House. 

Yours, etc., 

B. F. Perry. 



CoLUMBi.\, Sunday night. 

My Dear Liz : — I received your letter this evening, dated Friday 
afternoon, which gave me great pleasure, but which would have given me 
much more if it had been much longer. 

I am glad the box and its contents have arrived .safely, and that you 
are pleased with the presents. The two large decanters had to go with 
the other two, the merchant would not break his set. I will get the 
knives as you desired. I would have done so when I bought the silver 
forks, but was under the impre.ssion you had knives which we had not 
used, or used but little. The hat for Will is hard to get, and I think he 
will have to do without it or put up with a fur hat. It is impossible to 
find one you wish. 

Colonel Martin told me I might inform you that Mr. Taylor had lost 
his j'oungest child, which died the other day ; he also informed me that 
Mr. Wm. VA. Haync had also lo.st his youngest child, which died about 
the .same time. I have not yet seen Mrs. Robert Hayne ; the weather has 
been so bad I have not been able to go around and see her. I met one of 
her sons in the Senate Chamber the other day. The other was there, but 
I did not see him ; he told me they were all well. 

The Connnencement in College is to-morrow. The next day and the 
day after, we shall have considerable debating in the House, on Banks 
and the Right of Instruction. We have already had a good deal. I refer 
you to my letters to Mr. Wells for an account of the proceedings of the 
Legislature. 



I04 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

I told Burt the story of Will taking Dr. Crook for nie since I have 
been absent, and he told me to tell you he was afraid Will was near- 
sighted. I told him that Will was quite young and rather foolish at 
present, and was not possessed of the organ of individuality, or that which 
distinguishes one person from another. 

To-day has been so bad I liave not gone to church, nor have I seen 
Mr. Pinckney. I suppose I shall likely meet him to-morrow at the Com- 
mencement ; I shall really be glad to see him. I received a letter from 
Colonel Hoke .saying that John W. Roberts had commenced preaching. 

I will get your mother the books you request if they can be found in 
the book stores. 

You must excuse this short letter, as I have nothing to write. I hope 
you are all well and making out well. I should like very much to see 
you all. I hope to have that plea.sure to-night two weeks ; the day agreed 
upon by the House for adjournment is Friday i8th. 

Yours trul)', 

B. F. Pekkv. 



Coi.UMUi.v, Thur.sday night. 

My Dear Liz . — I must write you to-night, as I shall not have time 
to do .so in the morning. Your letter gave me great pleasure. I read with 
infinite satisfaction your advice, and always take the concluding part of it 
which is to do as I think best. You ha^'e reason to believe me a most 
dutiful and obedient husband in always accepting the last advice given 
by you. 

I made a speech yesterday which has drawn from the members nuich 
praise and high compliments. You will see .some account of it, and the 
debate generally, in the next Mountaineer. Mr. Carroll, of Barnwell, 
came to my seat to thank me for the speech. Colonel Simon^n said it 
was the highest triumph of reason over fanaticism he had ever witnessed. 
Colonel Dudley told me it had produced a complete revolution in the 
House. Colonel Hunt said at the Governor's party in the evening, that 
my argument was " not only convincing, but overwhelming." Mr. Bel- 
linger thanked me for the speech. General Adams said he was delighted 
with it and congratulated me most heartily. The speech was a .sponta- 
neous burst of feeling against the bill to exclude from office persons who 
may hereafter be concerned in a duel. The gallery was crowded with 
ladies. The question had been discussed two days before I spoke. Mem- 
minger, Henry, Symons, Fuller, etc., in favor of the bill, and Doric, vojjut. 



To His Wife. • 105 

Dudley and Singleton against it. No one dared to reply to my speech, 
and the House rejected the bill. 

I send you a Cheraw paper, in which you will find a sketch of some 
of the members of the Legislature, and your husband amongst them, first 
on the list. The sketches are written by Colonel Dudley, and are pleas- 
ing and complimentary. I regard the compliment to myself the more 
highly because I am first drawn. 

You misunderstood me in supposing that Albert Rhett thought there 
was any coldness or want of friendship on the part of your mother. He 
only blamed himself for having neglected to keep up his intimacy. It 
would be improper for me to mention the subject again to him ; there is 
no occasion for it, and it would seem like making it a matter of unueces- 
.sary consequence and importance. I see a good deal of Rhett, and went 
with him this evening to the Governor's levee. I returned quite early 
and have been talking with Judge Huger all the evening since. 

I have bought a music box for Anne, which plays most charmingly 
" Sweet Home " and " Isabella." It is a pretty box and in good tune. 
I have bought the gold thimble for Susan, and had the initials of her 
name cut on it beautifully. I bought for you a beautiful set of knives, 
the prettiest I ever saw ; one dozen large ones and a dozen small ones ; 
price, $12.00. I also bought for you two beautiful salt spoons, with silver 
bowls and pearl handles, $1.50 ; two pickle knives, beautifully contrived 
to be fork or knife, or both, silver and pearl, $2.50 ; for myself I have 
bought a shaving brush and a cake of soap. There is no butter-knife 
left like those I sent you, but I will get one for your mother of a different 
description and more beautiful. I can find nothing for Will yet. I will 
bring him a father's love, at least. How I should like to see the dear 
little fellow ; another week and I hope to have that pleasure. 

I am very kind to my colleagues and like them very much. I am 
polite to all the members, and I believe they all respect me very much. 

I mu.st now bid )ou good-night, as it is after eleven o'clock. Give 
my love to all, your mother, Susan and Anne. Kiss Will for me, and I 
will pay you back with interest when I return. 

I forgot to tell you about the Bible Conventipn, but you will see all 
about it in the next Mountaineer. I saw Mr. Pinckney, he was detained 
two days on the road by bad weather. 

Your husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



io6 Letters of Benjamin F. Perkv 

COLI'MBIA, Sunday morning. 

My Dear Lizzy: — Your letter of Tuesday was received Friday eve- 
ning, and gave me great pleasure. I assure you I read all of your advice 
with the greatest interest, and have much respect for your opinions and 
counsel ; but you need not be uneasy as to the influence which they ma3' 
have on my political action. I always reflect when I differ with you in 
opinion that it is because you are not so well acquainted with the subject 
as I am ; that you have not reflected so much about it, or have not seen 
it in all of its bearings. 

It would delight me to have Will once more in my arms seated at the 
foot of the table. I shall claim the exclusive privilege of holding the 
little fellow on my return, which privilege, I suppose, none of you will 
care to dispute with me or share with me. Tell him, however, I shall 
slap him pretty often if he does not behave himself This day week I 
hope to have the pleasure of meeting you all again, and I assure you it 
will be a great pleasure. 

I cannot get the books you desire, nor am I able to procure Miss 
Leslie's works for j-our mother. I am truly sorry that I shall not be able 
to get the butter-knife either. There are none like yours, and the others 
are such as you once bought in Charleston, which break ofifat the handle. 
There is a pair of very large silver ones which he asks $12.00 for, and not 
handsome. I must study out .some other present for your mother. I am 
very much inclined to purchase you a thimble : Susan's is the prettiest 
thing you ever saw, and her initials beautifully engraved on it. Yon 
know if I get one for you it will last always. I prefer spending money 
for .something which will last and be of value years hence. I think dress 
and frippery the poorest way in which money can be spent ; it is gone or 
thrown away and forgotten in a .short time, not so with books, jewelrj^ etc. 

Your mistake in waking up Delia and Eliza was an amusing incident, 
and the same thing occurred to me last night. Colonel Irby's Jim, who 
waits on me, came into my room with a candle and armful of wood and ]iine 
to make a fire. I thought it was rather soon and looked very dark. Jim 
began to think he might be mistaken and looked at my watch, and saw it 
was only four o'clock, almost three hours before day. He very gently 
laid down his wood and went off" to .sleep again. I thought of your mis- 
take and laughed heartily at the coincidence. 

I am suqirised you did not hear of Colonel Towns' election, as I men- 
tioned it in my letters to Wells. I saw Samuel Iwrle in a jeweller's shop the 
evening after I received your letter, and I told him, by way of plaguing 
him, that he had lietter tie at home, that I had just received intelligence 
there was some one interfering with his arrangements in Greenville. He 



To His Wife. 107 

appeared to be very uneasy till I admitted it was not so ; but I told him I 
had heard something about the 24th, which made Iiim blush. 

I am very busy ; the Legislature did not adjourn till after ten o'clock, 
and we shall have to sit all day and a great portion of the night con- 
stantly if we are to get through Friday night. For an account of our 
business, I must refer you to my letters in the ilfoitntainccr. 

You are mistaken about the character of the books I have purchased, 
they are all valuable. " Walker on Woman," is a learned and scientific 
work and very interesting ; how could it be otherwise, having so interest- 
ing a subject ? " The Men at Arms," is James' last novel. " Walker on 
Intermarriage," is a most curious book, telling how the human breed 
may be improved by intermarriage, and how it has degenerated in royal 
families by the marriage of relations. 

You mu.st write me Wednesday and I will receive it Friday night 
before starting home. 

Your affectionate husband, etc. , 

B. F. Perry. 

P. S. — My dear wife, since writing this letter, I have received yours 
of Thursday's date, which was a most agreeable surprise, as you said you 
would not write by that mail. In regard to the carpet you have my 
entire approbation, and how could I object when you propo.se to purchase 
it. I will be certain to see your aunt, Mrs. Robert Hayne, before I leave 
here. I am glad you and Will and your mother and Susan are well, and 
am very sorry to hear Anne is not .so. I received a letter from Colonel 
Towns saying you had been unwell, but was now quite well. I also re- 
ceived a letter from Mr. Goodleti, the Sheriff, saying one of the young 
ladies was slightly indisposed. I hope you are all well by this time. 



Columbia, Monday morning. 

A/y Dear Lirj .—I received your letter last night which gave me great 
pleasure. I diil not hear from you last mail and was unea.sy. You wrote 
me the mail liefore that you had a pain in your face. I went down to the 
post office, which is never opened on Sunday evenings, and made such a 
fuss that they let me in. 

I am truly happy to know you are getting on so well, for your .situa- 
tion has given me a great deal of uneasiness ; but I know you are not of 
a fearful disposition, and that you have a great deal of good practical 
sense and management. I believe there are few ladies with your e.xpe- 



io3 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

rience who could get on in the world better than yourself if thrown on 
their own resources. 

I have purchased Will two pair of shoes for $1.50; they are very 
strong and neat and will wear a great while ; one pair is too large for him 
at present. Mr. Burt .said to nie the other day that he wished to make 
him a present of something and a.sked what would be the most suitable. 
He asked if I could tell the size of his head ; he wished to give him a hat. 
Burt was under the impression that we had lost our baby again, I suppose 
from Will's colic last Summer at the Court of Equity. 

Mr. Cunningham is not here and has not been. John has returned 
as I wrote yoit in my last letter. 

I will purchase the morocco for you as required in your last letter. 
You may expect me home on Friday night if I can get off; if not, I shall 
be home Sunday night. I am very anxious to get off and be at home 
once more with you and Will. 

As I expect to see you so .soon and have .so much to say, I will now 
conclude. Hoping this letter will find you at tea. Will asleep in his 
cradle, and Delia at j-our back, Miner\'a in the kitchen and James just 
returned from the post office. Carlo at the door, and the cows and hogs in 
their proper places, and all well and happy. 

Good-morning, my dear wife. Your affectionate husband, 

B. F. Perky. 



Columbia, S. C, May 3, 1841. 

My Dear Lizzy ■ — I have only time to write you a few lines before 
the mail closes. I have been engaged all day in the Court of Appeals, 
and was fortunate enough to get pretty well through my cases. In the 
case you were kind enough to copy for me I shall get a new trial. I 
think I shall also in the case of McBee and Irvin ; that is, I shall 
succeed, but no new trial will be ordered. The other side appealed. 

I sent your package to Mrs. Hayne this morning ; .she sent me word 
that she would be very glad indeed to see mt and that she was quite well. 
I will go and see her to-morrow. I am going to ride out this evening 
with Colonel Fair to see Hampton's fine horses. I shall probably start 
home on Friday or Saturday, and be at home Sunday or Monday night. 
I had quite a pleasant ride down to Columbia ; Judge Gantt overtook us, 
and wc stopped on the roadside and eat yours and your mother's ginger 



-To His Wife. 109 

cakes The weather was cool and pleasant. I hope you had no frost in 
Greenville. There was a slight frost at Laurens the night I staid there. 
I have not been anywhere to-day except to the Appeal Court. I will 
endeavor to execute your commission in the way of purchasing guitar 
strings, etc. I am writing in Mr. Burt's room and he is reading a 
novel on the bed. He and many others inquired after you. I may pur- 
chase a few books if I can get them home. Burt is going to Charleston 
for the first time in his life, and insists on my going with him ; but this 

I shall not do. 

I am anxious to hear from you and Will, and went to the post office 
this morning, thinking that you might perchance have written to me. I 
hope Will behaves himself quite well, and that you are managnig well, 
all the servants obedient, and the cows well, and pigs well attended to. 
I shall expect a letter on Wednesday evening. Your briefs were handed 
to the Judges this morning, and I suppose they thought themselves 
highly honored in having you to write for them. 

Give my love to all your mother's family. Kiss Will for me. I will 
write you more fully by the next mail. In haste 

Yours truly, 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, Wednesday, i o'clock. q . 

My Dear Wife.— I have just been to see your Aunt Benton*; she 'j^^ ; J. 
met me weeping like a child, and I burst into tears with her. I have tiZ^J(^(^^-<^«7'-^. 
never seen any one so much altered and worn down with grief and sorrow. 
I do not believe she is half as large as she was when I last saw her, and 
she looks like an old woman. After sitting some time with her she 
became composed and conversed. She says her health is bad ; that if it 
were not for her sons she had no object to live for. She inquired after 
you and mother and sisters and Will, and spoke of the wisdom your 
mother had shown in selecting Greenville as her residence ; said it had 
long been " her brother's " wish that she should do so. She conversed 
very freely about your mother and herself with me. Whilst we were 
talking, Miss Ramsay and Francis Hayne came in. They are m Colum- 
bia a few days on a visit ; they are going to Judge Haq^er's on a visit. I 
gave them a most cordial invitation t^ vi^i^js^in Greenville, and told 
them it would give us great pleasure t'KVo so. I think they were half- 
way inclined to do so, although they refused. One of Mrs. Hayne s sons 
came in whilst I was there. She says she has a cap for Will, and some 



no Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

other bundle which she wishes me to take with me, and which she will 
send around to my boarding house. 

I have bought Will a cap, a very pretty one, new fashion, for $3.00. 
I have bought you a gold thimble, $6.00, and have had your initials put 
on it, Susan's in the same way, and the music box for Anne. I am sorry 
I have no better present than Miss Leslie's book for your mother, the 
knife I could not get. 

I shall be at home Sunday evening. Judge Earle goes up in the 
morning and is to carry my books in |)ostTor the Greenville Librarj' ; he 
will also have in the same bundle two law books and Miss Leslie's book. 

I have stolen out of the House to write you, and write in great haste. 
You may expect me Sunday evening. I have a great deal to tell you. 
Kiss Will for me. Yours, etc. , 

B. F. Perry. 

* Mrs. Robert Y. Hayue. 



Pickens C. H., Wednesday morning. 

My Dear Liz : — I avail myself of the opportunity of writing you a 
few lines by Colonel Towns, who returns this morning. I have begn very 
uneasy about you ever since I left home. I do not know that I ever had 
my feelings more anxious than they have been. I hope, however, that 
you will be as good as your promise and postpone the matter until my 
return ; but sliould it be otherwise, I have the consolation of knowing 
that your mother will be with you and ever>- other assistance you might 
require. It would, however, be much better if I could be with you 
myself. I do not know when I shall be able to return. There is a great 
deal of business in Court, and I have a good share of it. There are 
several important cases to be tried in which I am concerned ; as soon as 
they are over I shall be at home, perhaps Friday, and it may be not till 
Saturday. 

I hope Will is quite well, and behaves himself better of nights than 
he did last week. I woke up in the night and put out my hand involun- 
tarily to feel if the cover is on the crib, then for a long time I am think- 
ing of you and Will. 

My horse and buggj- have done well, except that the wheel got 
locked by the tightness of the screws as I came on to Pickens, and I had 
to get out and walk a mile in the night through the mud. General 
Thompson was with me. We stopped at Pickensville for dinner, and 
were delayed until night overtook us before we got to Pickens Court 



To His Wife. m 

House. The horse is very gentle, and when I get home from the circuit 
I will ride you out every day, and make Will sit at the foot of the seat. 

I hope my pigs are doing well ; you must make Minerva and George 
attend to them well. 

In great haste, and I am writing whilst others are talking to me. 

Yours truly, my dear wife, 

B. F. Perry. 



Anderson C. H., Wednesday morning. 

Dear Lizzy . — I have time only to write yoii a line this morning by 
Colonel Towns. I cannot say when I shall be able to leave this place, 
not till the last of the week. I am very anxious to get back again and 
see you and Will and the little daughter. I do not feel, however, the 
same uneasine.ss that I did at Pickens, as it is all over and you are doing 
well. I heard by General Thompson that you were quite well Sunday 
evening. I am anxious to see the dear little girl, as I barely got a 
glimpse of her before I started from home. 

I heard Judge Evans say yesterday that a father's love for his child 
was gradual and not sudden and instinctive like the mother's. I am sure 
it is correct ; my love for Will is a thousand times greater than it was 
when I first saw him. I feel an affection for him which I cannot feel for 
our dear little daughter at present. When she grows older and can talk 
and walk, I shall feel for her the same love which I now have for Will. 

General Whitner told me that he understood I did not leave Pickens 
in such a hurry for nothing, and congratulated me on the increase of my 
family. 

There is a good deal of business in Court. I may get off Friday 
morning. 

Kiss our dear little children for me, and tell Will he shall ride in the 
buggy when I get home again. Yours trul3', 

B. F. Perry. 



Pickens, Friday evening. 
My Dear Liz : — I only have time to inform you that I shall not be 
able to return home before I go to Anderson. You may well suppose the 
disappointment it is to me. How I should like to see you and the 
children ; but it will hasten my return from Anderson Court. I have had 
a great deal of business at this Court, more than I ever had before. Mr. 
Young has not come here, and I have been employed in all of his and 



112 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Burt's cases. So far, I have been pretty successful. Every case in Court 
of any importance, I am on one side or the other. 

I hope you are doing well and the children all well. I hope poor 
Anne is better ; I really felt very much shocked when I saw her on Sun- 
daj' morning. 

My horse is lame and almost worthless ; has got what jockeys call 
the stiff disorder, but I will make the seller pa}' back the $150 which I 
gave for him. 

Kiss Will and Anne ; Towns is starting. 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, S. C, Sunday night, May, 1841. 

My Dear Liz : — I reached here this morning about 2 o'clock, covered 
with dust and much fatigued by the heat and journey. I overtook Mrs. 
Thompson and Eliza in the stage this morning, and travelled some distance 
with them. Mr. Young, Colonel Irby and Mr. Pope were also in the 
stage. They all drank of my wine and eat of your cake and gingerbread. 
Mrs. Thompson said something to me about travelling with so many 
bottles, and I told her you put them up for me. She said it was very 
well to give you the credit, etc. I had no company with me and came 
down all alone, until I overtook the stage. The dust was horrible ; you 
can form no idea of it. They have had no rain here for many weeks 
until this evening, a very moderate shower fell since my arrival here and 
has cooled the atmosphere a little. 

I think it very probable I shall have to remain here till the last of 
next week, and perhaps then not try any of my cases. The bu.siness 
before mine is not half dispo.sed of, and perhaps mj- visit here may be all 
for nothing. I will, however, attend to the case in Sumter about Mr. 
Mayroul's property. 

I hope you and the children are all well, and that the servants are all 
in peace. I had a visit from George this evening ; he inquired very 
affectionately about his wife, you, the children and the servants. He is 
verj' anxious to get back to Greenville. 

I have not yet seen an)' of the Judges and not man)' of the lawyers, 
and I have nothing to write you ; but to-morrow I shall be ver)- busy, 
I have a great many commissions to execute for my friends in Greenville. 
They stopped me from one end of the street to the other as I left on 
Frida)- last, and pursued me to the creek with commissions. I brought 
down with me many thousand dollars. 



To His Wife. 113 

I saw Colonel McNeely this evening, from Charleston, who informed 
me that Mr. Cunningham and Pamela came up with him as far as Branch- 
ville, and went on to Hamburgh. Mr. Cunningham sent his respects to 
me and said I must mount the stump in favor of Texas. I replied I was 
opposed to it. 

I have not yet heard anything from the dinner to General Thompson 

in this place. 

I hope you are electioneering for me with all the country people you 
see. I am very anxious to hear from you. I hope you have written to 
me. You must write every mail and tell me all the family news, etc. 

Judge Earle is in Charleston, and his health not improved, as I am 

informed. 

I must now conclude this hasty scroll. Kiss the children for me and 
tell them to kiss you for me. Yours truly, etc., 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, S. C, Wednesday evening. 
My Dear Liz .—I have just received and read your letter, and the 
Postmaster told me he would wait twenty minutes only before he clcsed 
the mail, .so I must write in a hurry. It is needless to say that your letter 
gave me great pleasure. I could read one from you every hour in the 
day and wish for another. I am sorry you will not write next mail. I 
shall then only receive one more letter from you before I return home. I 
shall be at home Wednesday night. Colonel Towns will return Sunday 
night. We have made considerable progress in our cases, and the Court 
will adjourn the first of next week. Several of the lawyers came in after 
their cases had been called. Colonel Irby got here this evening, Colonel 
Fair this morning, Mr. Burt yesterday. Colonel Herndon also yesterday. 
Tell Anne that Colonel Herndon says he now sleeps soundly, and he looks 
a great deal better. Judge Butler was very humorous in his remarks 
about Herndon worrying and not sleeping. Judge Butler inquired how 
Anne was, and asked how many children you had. He told me Dr. 
Butler had been very sick ; had bursted a blood vessel and was spitting 
blood, but better. TWcvW^i^y 

I am truly glad to hear the children are doing .so well, and that Will 
is becoming so affectionate and inquires after me. I am also glad to hear 
you have found the house key and that the servants are doing well. 

I do not know yet the result of any of my cases, nor can I give any 
information on the subject. 



114 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

I must conclude my letter or the mail will be closed. I will write 
3-ou a long one by Colonel Towns and send you some little packages. 

God bless you, my dear wife, 

B. F. Perry. 



CoLtTMBiA, S. C, Monday morning. 

My Dear Liz: — I arrived here yesterday about three o'clock in the 
evening, a good deal tired and fatigued, although we had otherwise a 
pleasant ride. There were no person in the stage till we reached Newber^^ 
except Colonel Towns, Mr. Earle and myself. At Newbery we took in 
General Caldwell and two others. We ate j'our gingerbread and praised 
it a good deal, but it gave out before we reached Columbia. The brandy 
also gave out the first day. We overtook the Pendleton delegation and 
they drank it all at one time. 

I saw Mr. Wm. Ed. Hayne last night for a few minutes ; he said 
they were all well and that his chance of success in the election for Trea- 
surer is very good. I saw Colonel Taylor also ; he says Mrs. Taylor's 
health is bad, but better than it was at Greenville. 

A great many of the members have not j-et arrived, and I have not 
seen many of them. Colonel Dawkins, Colonel Fair and others, inquired 
very particularly after the " wife and children." 

I hope, my dear wife, you will get on well with the servants and 
household during my absence. I regret very much having to be so long 
absent ; I would infinitely prefer being at home with you and the " chil- 
dren." In fact, I am becoming unwilling to leave home at all. I hope 
the dear little daughter. Anno, will grow fineh- in my absence, and be quite 
a plump, fine looking babe on nij- return. However, I think she was this 
before I left. Tell Will he must be a good boy and behave himself. 

Have iny pigs and cattle and horse taken good care of. I saw the 
man from whom I purchased the horse ; he saj^s he will do what is right 
about him next Fall, if the horse continues lame. 

I hope your mother and sisters will now have a more pleasant time 
than they did ; give my love to them. 

I saw Dr. Blonding last night, who told me he had been at the Asylum 
where Powel McRae is, and that there was a hope of his recovery ; that 
the mother had been there trying to get admittance, but could not ; that 
she had had an interview with Powel's wife and asked her for the oldest 
daughter, which was given to her with great cheerfulness by the wife. 
The old lady said she wanted something to love and cling to. 



To His Wife. 115 

I write you in great haste, before breakfast. It is now raining ; I 
cannot get on my boots and have sent them to be stretched, and shall 
likely have to buy another pair. 

You must write every mail if you can, and let me hear all about the 
children, servants, cattle and pigs. 

Kiss the children for me and tell Will papa wishes him to be a good 
boy. Your affectionate husband, etc., etc., 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, S. C, Wednesday. 

My Dear Liz: — I have but two or three minutes to write you in. 
I hope to hear from you this evening, and my business may prevent my 
writing to you next mail. 

We had quite a scene in the House this morning. Colonel Dudley 

moved the impeachment of Judge , and Albert Rhett moved to 

extend it to all the Judges who were in the habit of getting drunk. The 
matter will come up to-morrow for discussion. 

Mr. Roper informed me that he has your mother's box with him, and 
will send it down to my room this evening. I will send it up by Colonel 
Towns and the spoons ; he will go up next week. I have got me 
another pair of spectacles, very handsome. I have also bought a magni- 
fying glass to stand on the centre table and look at pictures, with twenty- 
two engravings, very beautiful. I have also bought Will a pair of shoes 
and will send them also. 

My boots hurt me so much that I had to buy another pair, which 
hurt me very much also. 

I write you in a great hurry, and have just written a letter to Mr. 
Wells. 

I wish to see you and the dear little children very much. I think of 
you and dream of you. Kiss them for me and talk to Will about me lest 
he forgets his papa. • 

Give my love to your mother and sisters. 

Yours truly, 

B. F. Perry. 



ii6 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Columbia, Wednesday morning. 

My Dear Liz : — After writing you yesterday morning, I met with 
Major Hodges, who informed me that he was going to-day to Greenville, 
and would carry any little bundle which I might have. I sent by him 
the glass to look at pictures and the twenty-two prints, which I informed 
you I had purchased. Hodges will be at Dr. Chicks' Friday evening, 
the evening you receive this letter, and you had better send up for the LGXtuJbOt^ 
glass and pictures ; I also put up the telescope for Anne. You can take 
the glass and screw it together and put it up ; place it on the table, put 
the print at the foot, open the glass so you can look through one into the 
other and see the picture ; you will see the images as large as life ; be 
careful or you may break it. The telescope is a pretty thing, you look 
through one end and see the pebbles magnified and roll about. 

We had quite a novel scene in the House yesterday. John L,. Wilson 

sent to the Speaker articles of impeachment against Judge , for 

oppression in Court and habitual drunkenness. The paper was read and 

the reply of Judge to Wilson. The House detennined without a 

dissenting vote to lay the articles of impeachment on the table and not act 
on them. I was in the Court of Appeals in the morning, and Judge 

came to me and informed me that Wilson's communication would 

be read in the House, and he wished me to be there. Had it not been for 
this information I should have been absent. 

Mr. McBee's cases have not been decided yet, nor Cauble and 

. Yesterday the Court delivered opinions in all the other cases 
tried but them. I suppose from this they have some difficulty in deciding 
the cases. To-day we argue McBee and Henning's case, brought by 
Colonel Cox and others. 

We have also a grand military parade to-day and a great number of 
officers present ; it will be a day of great confusion. They are to have a 
sham battle and fight over the battle of the Cowpens ; one portion of the 
troops to represent the British and the other the Americans. 

I hope to hear from you this evening ; if I do not I shall be very 
uneasy and wretched. Do write me ever>' mail if it is but one line, I will 
then know you are all well. I must go to breakfa.st. 

B. F. Perry. 



To His Wife. h? 

Columbia, Friday morning. 
My Dear Liz : — I received from you by the last mail two letters, one 
of which I ought to have received the mail before. I had on my mind, 
somehow or other, an apprehension that you were not well, and this 
apprehension has been painfully realized. Both of your letters were 
written in bed, and whilst I value them much more on that account, it 
distresses me very much to think you are suffering with pain. I hope 
you will soon be well, for you suffered so much in the same way before. 
It is dreadful, indeed, that you must every time suffer so intensely. I do 
most sincerely pray that the remedies may be successful. I look forward 
to-night with great anxiety when the mail will bring me another letter 
from you, or your mother, if you are in too much pain to write. Last 
mail when I received your letters, I was first informed that there were no 
letters for me ; I turned off in great agony, and as I was going to my 
room met the barkeeper with twelve letters for me and two from you. My 
heart felt light for the moment, but its heaviness returned on reading 
of your painful condition. 

I am indeed sorry that my intimation of leaving public life distresses 
you. You must be certain that I know more about these matters than 
you do, and that I would take no step unless it was for the better. A 
seat in the Legislature interferes very much with my practice in the Court 
of Appeals ; it is impossible to attend to both. My attention is too much 
divided to do justice to either place. At home I must be constantly elec- 
tioneering and neglecting ray profession to keep up my popularity and 
vindicate my course in the Legislature. My business in the Court of 
Appeals will necessarily bring me to Columbia twice in the year, when I 
shall see pensons from all parts of the State and keep up my acquaintance. 
Talent is shown as well in conversation and in the ordinary intercourse 
between gentlemen as in the Legislature, and I am sure it is more highly 
appreciated in the former way. I have read too much, and am endowed 
by nature with too much mind (I hope) ever to fall into insignificance or 
obscurity. My speeches and publications made on suitable occasions will 

forbid it. 

We have had a great militarj- show here for two days past, some 
forty or fifty Generals and Aids-de-camp in full uniform, marching and 
strutting through the streets ; five or six hundred cavalry well mounted, 
and one thousand infantrj', with two or three thousand spectators. Last 
night there was a grand militarj- ball at the Governor's ; I was invited 
but did not go. The night before I was invited to a party at Mr. Clark's, 
but did not attend. 



ii8 Lktters oi- Benjamin F. Perky 

I shall be at home on Sunday night week, a week from the night you 
receive this letter. I have sent my books by a wagon to Mr. Billing's 
nei^iborhood by Mr. Lattimore. 

Mr. Wm. Ed. Hayne appears quite serious ; I see him every two or 
three days. Colonel Martin is quite jovial ; he, Burt, Judge Huger, 
yiloJU Wise and myself have a table to ourselves at which we always sit and 
talk. Judge Huger is a most pleasant companion, and the more I see 
him the better I like him. I like Burt, too, very much and we are par- 
ticularly intimate and much together. 

I must now conclude to go to breakfast. Kiss the children and give 
my love to your mother and sisters. I hope the servants are doing well. 
Write me all about them and the pigs, etc., etc. 

Yours truly, 

B. F. Perry. 



Coi.t'MBiA, S. C, Sunday night. 

Afy Dear' Liz : — Your letter in pencil was received this evening, and 
it gives me great pain to hear that you are still confined to your bed. I 
was in hopes from your last letter that the prescription of Mrs. Butler 
had relieved you. It must, indeed, be most painful and harassing to 5'ou, 
ten days in bed. I think it probable that I will be at home in the next 
stage. I can neither enjoy myself here nor be fit for business. I shall 
have got through with all my business as Chairman of Claims by Thurs- 
day morning, and all the bills I take any interest in will have been acted 
on, so that I can leave here very well. The business of the session will 
be over, and to stay two days longer will be a matter of hardship which 
I cannot endure. I wish to be at home with you and see you and 
administer to your comfort while sick. 

The little matters spoken of in your letter shall be purchased if I can 
find them- It gives me the greatest pleasure to gratify all your wishes 
and desires. 

We are working very hard in the Legislature. Yesterday the House 
met at lo o'clock in the morning and we sat there till 5 o'clock in the eve- 
ning without leaving our seats .scarcely ; we then went to the tavern and 
eat dinner and came back half after six at night, and sat till two o'clock 
this morning without leaving the House. This makes about fourteen 
hours we sat in one day. I feel bad to-day in con.sequence of the loss of 
sleep, etc. We were engaged in passing the Military Bill, and the Gov- 
ernor sent for me and requested me to take it under my charge and get 
the House to adopt it. The opponents of the bill made the most violent 



To His Wife. 119 

opposition to it, and tried every way to delay and hinder us and fatigue 
us out ; but I gave them notice that we intended to stay till sunrise Sun- 
day morning or pass the bill ; that we could stay as long as they could, 
and we did and passed the bill. 

We had a considerable discussion yesterday on the Bank question, 
and the gallery was filled with ladies. I made a speech in reply to Rhett, 
which Colonel Hunt complimented very highly, although opposed to me 
on that question. He spoke in reply to me, said I had taken the w^ords 
out of his mouth and expressed his own sentiments, but in much better 
language than he was able to do ; that it was the very speech he was 
going to have made, and yet he differed with me in my conclusions, etc. 

I hope you have received the glass, etc., sent by Mr. Hodges, and 
that it was not injured. 

Monday morning. 

I have just been out and had put up a box of oranges, two dozen ; 
pine apples ; two pounds of Malaga grapes, bananas, box of kisses, etc., 
which will be sent you by the stage. You had better send up to the stage 
office and get them. I thought you would like to have them before I got 
home, the sooner the better. 

Nothing further. Your letter Wednesday will determine whether I 
return Friday or Sunday. In haste. 

Your aflTectionate husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, S. C, Friday evening. 

Dear Liz .—I have but a few minutes to write you in again. Carroll 
has beaten Mr. Hayne for Treasurer by twenty votes. Carroll made great 
exertions. I have not seen him since. 

I have been getting a tooth made to-day and will have it put in 
shortly. I have bought a good many books at Dr. Cooper's sale. I will 
send some of them by Colonel Towns. 

j^(jge is very much distressed about Rhett's resolution. It is 

thought"judge will resign. The whole matter stands over until 

next week. 

I have nothing to write j-ou of interest. I hope to get a letter from 
you this evening, as I am anxious to hear how you are getting on and to 
hear from the children. 

I will write you a long letter on Sunday, as that is a leisure day. 
None of my cases have been tried yet. 

Yours truly, my dear Liz, 

B. F. Pekkv. 



I20 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Columbia, Sunda)'. 

My Dear Liz : — We have a considerable snow this morning and the 
streets are very sloppy. I hope you do not, therefore, think it wrong in 
me to write j-ou a letter instead of going to church. It is, indeed, a most 
uncomfortable day, but notwithstanding, I walked over to the Law 
Library to hunt up some law in McBee's cases which will be tried this 
week. This, you know, is the work of necessity, and therefore maj' be 
done on the Sabbath. 

Your letter of Wednesday morning was received Friday evening and 
gave me great pleasure. I went to the post office with Mr. James Rhett, 
and was told there were no letters for me. I replied to the Postmaster 
that he was mistaken and there must be a letter for me. He looked again 
and found yours. Rhett observed "from your wife; I thought you 
spoke very positively ; mine has not written me yet." Whilst on this 
subject let me tell you a joke Judge Huger had on me one morning at the 
breakfast table. I had told him what you said about mj^ going to see the 
pigs one day before I went to see you. Colonel Fair that morning had 
told him that he tried to get me to go with him and eat oj-sters, etc. , one 
evening at the book auction, and I would not leave the books. Judge 
Huger said in a good-natured way that if I " went to see my pigs before I 
did ray wife, I would not leave my books for my friends." Knowing so 
well as he does my devotion to j-ou, he took great pleasure in "joking " 
me on the subject. Judge Huger, Burt and myself have got together 
again at table and always sit together. 

I saw your Cousin Alston Hayne the other night. He called to see 
me and I introduced him to Judge Huger who was sitting with me. He 
spent a half-hour with us. Judge Huger saw him at the north this Sum- 
mer, and said after he left us that he was " a clever and promising- 
youth." I think so too. He will do credit to the name of his father. 
He told me that his mother was in better health. Arthur has gone to 
Charleston to .study medicine. 

There is great difficulty in getting a President of the College. Mr. 
Poinsett, Judge Huger, Colonel Preston have all been applied to, and 
strange to say. Colonel Memminger came to me last night to know if I 
would accept the Presidency of the CoUege. I could hardly understand 
him at first ; that I, who had never been in college, should be thought of 
as the President of the first literary institution in the Southern States, was 
passing strange ; but they say their object is more to get a man of high 
character than a literary man. I told Memminger that nothing could 
induce me to accept the station. 



To His Wife. 121 

It is said Judge Gantt will resign to-morrow, and if so, Wardlaw will 
be elected immediately to fill his place. Who will take Wardlaw' s place 
as Speaker is doubtful ; a dozen members have been spoken of. I shall 
go for Memminger, and next to him Colcock. 

Two of our Judges are in great trouble, but it will all amount to 
nothing. They are considered two of the best Judges in the State, and 
we are not disposed to dismiss them. 

I am truly glad you are getting on well with the servants and house- 
hold. I wish to be with you and the children. We have done but little 
in the L,egislature yet. Yesterda)- there was some discussion on the Trial 
of Slaves, in which I took a part, and was thanked for my course both by 
Colonel Hunt and Albert Rhett. 

I will purchase the table covers for you and the books if I can find 
them. I have purchased more than one hundred volumes of Dr. Cooper's 
library. I got the books for very little ; one book was priced $20.00, and 
I purchased it at auction for 62^ cents ; many others in the same way. 
I have had several presents made of books since I have been here. The 
State Reporter, McMullin, made me a present of his Reports as soon as 
they were published, but unfortunately I had just purchased a copy and 
paid the bookseller $5.00 for it. I now have two copies, but Colonel 
Towns says he will take one copy and pay me for it. Dr. Myers made 
me a present of "Lord Bacon's Letters." I must conclude. Give my 
love to all and kiss the children Will and Anne. 

Yours trul)-, 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, Wednesday. 

My Dear Liz : — Your kind letter on Sunday last was receiv^ed after I 
had sealed my letter to you. It gave me great pleasure, and I am sorry 
that my time has been so much occupied in Court and in the Legislature 
that I can barely write you a few lines this evening in reply. 

Judge Gantt has resigned, Mr. Wardlaw has been elected Judge, and 
Colonel Colcock, Speaker ; he beat Major Henrj- a long ways. 

I have argued all my cases but two, but do not know how they will 
be decided. 

I have had the tooth put in this morning and mj- mouth feels like it 
was full of mush. It has bothered me a great deal. 

Judge Earle is unwell and not able to be in Court to-day. 

I have got Colonel Ware to write for the Mountaim'cr, and will now 
have more time to write you. 



122 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Colonel Towns will return home Sunday night and I will send by 
him the spoons and table covers, and some other matters. Tell Anne I 
have bought for her a present, a beautiful telescope. I have not made 
many purchases. <iCiiLchji a^lu 

I must now stop or I shall not get this letter in the mail. Kiss the 
children and give my love to your mother and sisters. In great haste. 

Yours, etc., 

B. F. Perry. 



CoLUMBi.\, Friday morning. 

My Dear Liz : — Your letter written last Monday was received Wed- 
nesday night, and it gave me great pleasure as do all of your letters. I 
long to be at home again with you and Will and little Aime. Home to 
me has more attractions than any other place, and more pleasures and 
happiness. I could spend every day and hour of my life at home without 
a wish or inclination to go anywhere. I am tired too of legislation, it is 
hard work and I do not take the same interest in it that I used to do. I 
do not expect to be a candidate again. My time, however, passes here as 
pleasantly as I could expect. There are a good many gentlemen with 
whom it gives me great pleasure to associate. 

I have bought you a pair of table covers, the most beautiful things 
of the kind you ever saw, but the price was $10.00. They will last 
always, wash well, not show stains and be cheaper in the end ; so says 
the merchant. You must not scold me for my extravagance, as it was my 
love for you and a wish to gratifj- your fancy and orders. I will send r, 
the covers. Will's shoes and your mother's bundle from Mr. Rosser bj- flsj/yjyi. 
Colonel Towns, who goes up Saturday moniing ; the spoons also, if 
finished. 

I do not know how I am to get my books home, I have got quite a 
load of them. 

I was invited to the Governor's levee the other night, but did not go. 
I understand there was a great crowd. 

I saw Mrs. Albert Rhett yesterday in the gallery. I could hardly 
believe my eyes ; it seemed impossible that that faded, old lady, was the 
beautiful girl I knew some thirteen years since. What changes time will 
make. Rhett went up into the gallerj- and sat with her and seemed quite 
attentive. 

To-day I have to attend the Court of Appeals, and will be engaged 
there all day. There is, too, an important bill bek>re the House, and 



To His Wife. 123 

Colonel Hunt has urged me most strongly to come and make a speech in 
favor of it. He told me that we could earn,- any just measure in that 
House, which is rather a compliment to both of us and the House into the 

bargain. 

Friday evening. 

It is now past five o'clock and the Greenville stage has not got in yet. 
I kept my letter open expecting to hear from you before I close it, but 
shall not. I have now got through all my law cases except one. When 
I gave the Judges your brief of Cauble and Loveland, Judge O'Neill 
remarked : " It is in a beautiful hand." I think I .shall gain that case, 
and it is an important one. I am not so sure, but hope I may also succeed 
in getting some of McBee's cases back again. 

We have had dreadful weather here for several days— snow, rain and 
mud, etc. I have just been through the mud to get your spoons, but was 
di-sappointed in getting the smaller ones and the sugar tongs. 

Judge Earle has been sick, but is now well and was sitting in Court 
to-day. Judge Wardlaw has not yet taken his seat on the bench. Mr. 
Samuel Earle appears uneasy and discontented, and has been all the ses- 
sion ; he spoke of asking leave of absence. • 

My tooth does better as I become more accustomed to it. With new 
spectacles and a new tooth, you may expect to see great improvement. 

Give my love to all. I do not think the Legislature will adjourn 
before the 1 8th. Yours truly, 

B. F. Pekry. 



CoLUMBi.\, Tuesday morning. 
My Dear Liz .—I have not heard from you for two mails. What has 
happened ? I feel very uneasy, and am afraid some of you are sick and 
that you will not write for fear of my returning home. When the mail 
came in Sunday evening, I was confident of receiving letters and made 
Colonel Maj-bin go back to the post office after night and search for 
letters. In the morning I went myself The Postmaster informed me 
that no letters at all were received by that mail from Greenville. This 
relieved me a little, for I thought you had written and the package had 
miscarried or been put into the wrong mail. If I do not hear from you 
to-morrow evening, I .shall be disposed to return to Greenville and see 
what is the matter. Adam Hall informed me yesterday that he saw John 
McBeth Wednesday, and you were all well then : but I received a letter 
from you on Monday preceding. 



124 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

I was also mortified yesterday in not having an opportunity of writing 
to you by last night's mail. I did not write on Sunday, as I expected to 
hear from you that night and thought I would wait and answer your 
letter. Monday morning we had to go to the Commencement in College, 
and I intended to write after the House adjourned, but we sat till after 
the mail clo.sed. 

There was quite a displaj' of ladies and gentlemen at the Commence- 
ment. I visited the library in college and amused myself in looking over 
the books. They have a splendid building, but the collection of books is 
not very extensive. I have purchased so many books that I am afraid I 
shall not be able to get them home. I have my trunk full and a box 
twice as large full — some verj' valuable works. In all, I suppo.se one 
hundred and fifty volunifis — reading enough for the next j-ear. 

I wish you would make George hang up the meat, as it may be hurt if 
kept too long in pickle. I forgot to give directions about it when I left 
home. I wish, also, 3fOU would tell George to notice the buggj- and see 
if the wheels are on plank or blocks to protect them from the ground, 
otherwise they may rot. Let me know whether Colonel Cox has hauled 
the corn. 

The Legislature will adjourn on the 17th next, Friday week, and I 
long for the daj' to arrive. I shall be at home next Sunday week and 
have the unspeakable pleasure of clasping in my arms my dear Liz and 
the children. How I .should like to see you this morning, you superin- 
tending your household affairs. Will playing over the room and the little 
girl sleeping in the innocence of her nature. I hope she has grown con- 
siderably. Since her birth I have been absent so much that she is almost 
unknown to me. I can hardly recall to my mind her features. 

To-day I have to attend Court and argue the case of McBee and 
Henning for Mr. Cox. I shall also hear the decisions in the other cases, 
and as it is nearly time to go into Court I must conclude. 

Give my love to your mother and sisters and kiss the children for me, 
mj' dear wife. Your affectionate husband, 

B. F. Perry. 



To His Wife. 



125 



Pendleton Village, Sunday, 11 o'clock. 

My Dear Liz : — I have just got here on my way to Anderson, and 
will write you a line before the stage arrives. 

I have done a fine business at Pickens Court, received more than two 
hundred dollars in cash, and made more than that amount which I have 
not received. I hope you will write me to-morrow. I am anxious to 
hear from you and the children and your mother's famiU' and how you 
are all doing. I may not be at home till the last of the week ; this will 
depend on my business at Anderson. I will write you again at Ander- 
son if I am detained all the week. 

I must be in great haste as you may perceive by the letter. Judge 
Earle is much better. Yours truh', 

B. F. Perry. 



Anderson C. H., Tuesday night. 

Jlfy Dear Liz : — Colonel Towns returns in the morning, and I will 
write you a few lines before I go to bed. 

I was very much gratified to receive your letter and thank you kindly 
for it. I was trul}^ glad to hear you were all well and doing well. When 
absent from home I am always uneasy for fear that you maj' have an un- 
due portion of trouble and care in the management of the children and 
household. The dear little creatures, how I should like to see them. 
Being away from them increases mj- affection for them. 

I hope to be at home on Thursday night. It is possible, however, 
that I may be detained till Friday night. There is not much business 
here, and I have not done so well as I did at Pickens ; that, however, was 
not to be expected. I have though received about seventy dollars in cash 
since I came here of my own costs and fees. If nu' business throughout 
the circuit continues as it has commenced, I shall do well. My hundred 
cases will be obtained. 

I see by your letter there has been no increase in my famil}- in the 
way of pigs and calves. I hope there is by this time, and that Nancy will 
have a numerous progeny to greet me on my arrival. I hardly expect so 
much from Victoria. 

Your house is all to rights by this time. I am glad you avail your- 
self of my absence to whitewash and cleanse it. I do not like such busi- 
ness at all, at all. 

I am truly sorry to hear of poor Gilbert's death and friend Blassen- 
gam's loss. Blassengam has been truly unfortunate. . It is well your 
mother did not purchase Gilbert. 



126 Lktters of Benjamin F. Perry 

I was in hopes to have heard of Anne's being better ; she has, indeed, 
suffered a great deal, and my greatest astonishment is that she can endure 
and sur\-ive it. 

I saw my brother Foster at Pickens Court ; he was on the jurj- and 
had to stay all the week. His wife has another son. Josiah and Melissa 
are quite well. Father and mother are in tolerable health. 

Judge Earle is not so well again ; his voice became so weak and 
hoarse to-day in Court that he had to adjourn early in the evening. I 
hope he will be better in the morning. 

After writing you last Sunday a few lines at Pendleton Village, I 
went to the Episcopal Church in company with Foster, and heard a ser- 
mon from Mr. Potter. It was Communion Sunday, and I left the church 
without speaking to Mr. Potter or any one else. There were a good many 
persons present. Colonel Huger and family and his son and his bride, 
formerly Miss Cheves. I sat in a pew just in front of Mrs. Stephens and 
near Mr. Potter. 

Mrs. Hubbard inquired after your health with some interest, and Mr. 
Hubbard wished to know if we had had any more events in our family 
since we were in Pendleton. Mrs. Hubbard is really a ven,- nice genteel 
woman and seems kind and amiable. 

My horse is bad off ; he may make out to get home and it will be as 
much. Poor Gray has rendered but little service, and our rides in the 
buggy will be suspended till I get another horse. 

I am afraid you will be scarce of money before I return. It is very 
well I left you the bill I did ; but if you should get out of funds I suppose 
your credit is good. 

There was a woman indicted to-day for murdering her own child, a 
bastard ; but the Grand Jury found no bill. There was another fellow- 
indicted for attempting to blow up the house in which two of his wife's 
aunts lived, so that he might kill them and get their property. 

I have been reading ' ' Walker on Female Beauty. " It is an interest- 
ing work and similar in many respects to his works on " Intermarriage " 
and "Woman." 

My dear Liz, I wish to see you verj- much. It seems a long time 
since I was at homo. Kiss the dear little children for me. I hope Will 
will be glad to see me and greet me at the door. 

It is now late in the night and I must bid you good-night. I have 
written you a long letter and I have written it without thought or reflec- 
tion. Yours truly and affectionately, 

B. F. Perry. 



To His Wife. 127 

Spartanburgh C.H. , Tuesday night. 

My Dear Liz : — I will write you a few lines. Some one will be going 
to Greenville in the morning by whom I can send you a letter, but I have 
little or nothing to say to you. I am sure, however, that a letter will 
give you some interest although it contains nothing. 

We stopped at Dantzeller's on Sundaj', Judge Butler, General Whitner 
and mj-self ; no one else. The bottle of wine was drank between Judge 
Butler and myself during dinner. He praised it very much, said it was 
delicious and seemed to enjoy it. I have no doubt General Whitner was 
sorry his hands were tied by the temperance pledge. Your pound-cake 
was regarded as being too rich to eat. General Whitner tasted it, and I 
gave the whole of it to Mrs. Dantzeller, who thanked me very kindly for 
it. Judge Butler said he intended to have called to see you during Court, 
but had not time. 

I had the old man Davis turned out of jail. I have only two cases 
now to detain me here ; one of them will be tried Thursday, and the 
other will probably be postponed. I shall be at home Friday. 

I have made a purchase for Frank. It is a beautiful rattle, costing 
twenty cents, something cheaper than the one I spoke of buying in 
Columbia for Will some years since. I have also bought a medal the 
size of a dollar for Will or Anner price twenty cents. There is an itiner- 
ant jeweller here selling articles in his line very cheap. 

I delivered Delia's presents to her mother, and she seemed very much 
pleased with them and speaks of going to see Delia next Christmas. I 
think it more than probable that all of Walker's property will have to 
be sold in a short time. Some one told me that his tavern and all his fur- 
niture was already advertised for sale. 

I hope you and the children are all well and doing well. I wish to 
see you very much. It seems I am to be constantly from home. I shall 
not be able to stay at home more than five Qr six days before I start to 
Columbia. 

Kiss the children for me. Good-night. I saw Dr. Irvin this evening, 
who told me all were well in Greenville this morning. It is a great 
pleasure to hear from home. 

Yours truly and sincerely, 

B. F. Perry. 



128 Letters of Ben'jamin F. Perry 

Spartaxburgh, Wednesday night. 

My Dear Liz : — I shall be disappointed in returning home to-morrow 
as I expected to do. The old man, Davis, whom I defended for murder, 
is to be tried again in the morning. He was tried Tuesday- and found 
guilty, but recommended by the jurj- to be pardoned. The speech I made 
in his defence has been well spoken of by the crowd. I wish I may be as 
successful in the morning. 

The Court will not get half through the business. I have been 
engaged in one important case to assist Mr. Leitner and General Whitner, 
but the case will not likely come on this week. 

I took tea this evening with Mr. Bobo, and saw his wife for the first 
time. She is a sensible and interesting lady. They have their house 
handsomely fitted up with Harle3''s furniture. I saw on Monday evening 
Mrs. Nicoll (formerly Miss Crook). I went to the jail to see a prisoner 
and met her ladyship. The Major also invited me to pay them a visit 
before I left. 

I shall be at home on Friday or Saturday. Kiss the children for me, 
and believe me vours, etc., B. F. Perry. 



CoLUMBi.-v, S. C, Sunday night. 

Afy Dear Liz : — I arrived here late this evening and am very much 
fatigued, having driven to-day forty-five miles over a rough road ; but 
notwithstanding my fatigue, I will write you a few lines to-night for fear 
I may not ha\-e time to do so in the morning. I should not have time to 
write after Court adjourned to-morrow evening before the mail clo.ses for 
Greenville. 

I have had fine weather for travelling since I left home. The first 
night I staid at Goldsmith's, and considerable rain fell during the night, 
but next day there was no rain. I reached Mr. Cunningham's Friday 
evening, just before night. Mrs. Cutniingham had not returned from 
Hamburgh. Miss Pamela was quite unwell, had not been out of her 
room for several days and had to be brought down stairs in the arms of a 
ser\^ant. vShe walked with great difficulty even in the drawing room. 
There was a Miss McDowell staying with her, in the capacity somewhat, 
of friend and nurse, during Mrs. Cunningham's absence. 

The grounds, garden, fences and general appearance of Mr. Cun- 
ningham's residence are ver}^ much improved, and are indeed very hand- 
some. I have never seen any more beautiful. Their drawing room is 
truly magnificent ; very much improved since you saw it by a beautiful 
and costly carpet, four immense mirrors, chairs, ottomans, etc. 



To His Wife. 129 

Mr. Cunningham said he saw so Httle company (not even his own 
family, except at meal times), that he had almost forgotten how to keep 
up a conversation. Miss Pamela had to have pillows brought down and 
reclined on the sofa. She said she would write to you the day I left there. 
I hope she did so She inquired a great deal about you all, and espe- 
.cially her God-sodT'^he intends going to Charleston with Mrs. Croft. 

At Newbery I saw Colonel Fair ; he pressed me very hard to go and 
stay all night with him. I was too much fatigued, and he sat with me 
till after tea. He inquired how many children we have ; said he had but 
one yet. 

To-day I travelled down with Judge O'Neal and Mr. Pope. We 
stopped and took dinner at a creek on the road, ate very heartily of your 
ginger cake and corn pound cake. I was ashamed of my bottle of brandy, 
and told the Judge I had something in my trunk which he should not 
see. He asked me if it was not a tickler. I told him I should answer no 
questions. The bottle is still full. I drank about a spoonful one day and 
that is all that has been taken out of it. Mr. Cunningham gave me a 
bottle of fine cider to bring with me, and that I drank the same day when 
I stopped for dinner. 

We overtook Chancellor Job Johnson, and with him I had a good 
deal of chat. He told me that Colonel Preston had had an attack of 
paralysis ; whilst walking the streets he lost the use of his tongue and 
could not speak. He was instantly bled and has recovered, but is still 
apprehensive of a return. 

I saw Colonel Martin this evening. He told me his family were all 
tolerably well. He said I looked very well. Mr. Burt is here ; we sat 
together at dinner, Mrs. Burt is to join him in Charleston on the way 
to Washington. He inquired very kindly after you and the children, so 
did Colonel Martin after your mother and family. I have already met a 
great many of my old friends and acquaintances, but I have not time to 
say more about them at present. 

I was disappointed in not hearing from you by Colonel Towns ; he 
left the day after I did ; says Earle's child is still sick. I hope you and 
the children are all well. How I should like to see you all to-night ; just 
take a peep at you. Will, Anne and Frank. I am homesick already. 
You must write to me by every mail. It is likely I shall not be able to 
/ write you by the next mail. Kiss the children for me and give my love 

to vour mother, Susan and Anne. God bless you. 

B. F. Perry. 



130 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Columbia, S. C, Tuesda}- night. 

J\fy Dear Liz : — I did not receive j'our letter, written last Friday, till 
this morning. How it happened I know not. I went to the post office 
Monday morning and inquired for letters, but found none. Your letter 
should have reached here Sunday evening. I was ven,- much gratified to 
hear from you, even the day after I left home. 

For the last two days I have been constantlj- occupied in the Court of 
Appeals, and have made rapid progress in my cases. The cases of John 
Cunningham and Yancey were argued by Colonel Carroll and myself on 
Monday. General Whitner replied to our arguments this morning, and 
we both spoke in replj' to him again. The result is unknown. I have 
strong hopes of succeeding in arresting the judgments. We shall hear 
the opinion of the Court delivered on Monday next. The case of Mrs. 
Mayront's Will was argued by me and Young yesterdaj-. I do not know 
how it will be disposed of. My argument was said to be a very good one, 
and I hope has been successful. The case of Griffith, about the child in 
dispute between the father and mother, was argued by me and Colonel 
Towns on 3'esterday also. I think the child will be given to the father, 
for whom I am contending. Mr. Waddle's case was argued to-day bj- 
Henr}- and myself for Waddle, and by Young and Sullivan for JoNce and 
Cureton ; but we have had no intimation as to the result from the Court. 
Colonel Coleman's cases will be argued to-morrow or the next day. The 
case of McBee and others against Drf^oke, as Coroner, was argued to- 
day by Colonel Towns and myself and Mr. Young, but no decision given. 
The case of Collins, from Spartanburgh, will come up this week some 
time. 

There is great electioneering for Judge. Frost, Whitner, Withers, 
Dargan, Caldwell and others, are all candidates. Who will be elected is 
doubtful. Some persons think the contest between Whitner and Frost. 

I have purchased two beautiful silver cups for Anne and Frank, and 
had their names engraved on them, all for ^17.00. I gave all the watches 
and rings and brea.stpins to be mended, and they will be done in a day or 
two. 

I had to buy me a new hat (S6.00) to wear with my fine cloak, also a 
pair of gloves, etc.; a beautiful purse, $i.cxd; a pocketbook for notes, 
$2.00 ; " Spear's Reports," $5.00. This is the extent of my purchases. 

I have been so much engaged in Court that I have seen no one and 
conversed with no one ; have not even been to the State House ; not had 
time to speak to Mr. Pettigru, who is engaged in the other end of the 
Court House in the Court of Chancer}-. 



To His Wife. 131 

I am glad to hear Dr. Robinson has sent you a barrel of flour. I was 
afraid he had forgotten it. My money is getting pretty scarce, and I 
shall have to break in upon my gold. If, however, you want any little 
matter, write to me and I will bring it up with me. I must look out for 
a present for Will. If I can see a suitable one for Anne and vSusan, I will 

get one for each. 

Mr. Burt admired my cloak very much, and has had him one made 
like it, or nearly so, to wear to Washington. If you were to see me 
wrapped up in it, you would hardly recognize your husband. You see, I 
must find something to fill up my letter with. 

I am afraid Sam Earle's child is dangerous, as he has not yet arrived. 
How it would gratify me to see you and the children to-night before the 
little creatures are put to bed. 

I do not know when I shall be able to return home. Colonel Towns 
speaks of going back on Sunday. 

Good-night. God bless you. 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, S. C, Friday night. 
Afy Dear Lis .—I wrote you last night by mail, but will write you a 
few lines by Colonel Towns. He leaves in the morning and will go up 
in the stage, so you will receive two letters from me the same evennig. 
This I am willing you should do, for the very acceptable one I had the 
pleasure of receiving from you this evening. Very acceptable, and was 
only disagreeable in informing me as to poor little Anne's burn. I am 
afraid it is more than vou write, but how fortunate it was not a great deal 
worse You cannot be too careful about the fire. Never let the children 
be alone by the fire, there is great danger. It would be horrible to have 
.some accident of the kind to happen to them. 

I am glad to hear you are getting on so well with the household. I 
was quite uneasy, not having heard from you by the last mail. You seem 
pleased with Delia's mother, and I have no doubt .she is a good woman. 
I am glad she came up to see Delia. 

I will take your advice and keep all my purchases to bring with me. 
I had a thought of sending them by Colonel Towns, but will not I have 
sent by his wagon a box of oranges and pine apples ($2.00 worth ). You 
will send Anne and vour mother half of them and give the servants some 
of them. The wagon will reach Greenville Tuesday or Wednesday. 

The watches and rings and breastpins have all been done ; the charge 
for your watch was $4.00 ; your mother's and Susan's |3-oo each. T 



132 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

have bought you a beautiful gold key ($2.00) ; the mending all the 
rings and breastpins, $1.50. The watchmaker says all the watches will 
now keep time well, even Susan's little watch will do well. He is a verj- 
honest, faithful workman. 

I have been engaged in Court all daj' to-day ; argued Collins' case 
and Colonel Coleman's. I think I shall lose Collins' case but gain 
Colonel Coleman's. I will wTite Colonel Coleinan a letter by Towns, 
if I have time. I rather think I shall gain M>r.''Oinuingham's case and 
Waddle's, but these are mere conjectures from what Judge Butler told me 
in a jocose way this morning. 

There are some little horses here with wheels for children to ride and 
push along, a sort of velocipede, price $5.00. I have a strong notion to 
buy one for Will. Write me about it. 

I have bought no books. Poor Cunningham, the bookseller, is dead 
and his book store shut up. He had just been on to the north and made a 
very large purchase of books. ' I knew him fifteen j-ears since when he 
was very poor and ignorant. He had made a fortune and acquired a good 
deal of information, was m'arried and had a family of children. His fate 
is a sad one. 

Tell Will I have bought him a great many presents. I am glad 5'ou 
get on so well at night with the children all in one bed. Vou are very 
good in keeping the cot for me. 

We have had dreadful weather for several days. This evening I 
waded through the streets and torrents of rain to the post office to get 
your letter. By accident I got in, the Postmaster was very civil and per- 
mitted me to remain whilst he was opening the mail, so I got your letter 
and one from Mrs. Towns for Colonel Towns. 

I do not know when I shall be able to return j-et. You must write 
me by the return mail. Give my love to your mother and sisters. Kiss 
the children for me and tell them to kiss you for me. 

Good-night. God bless you. 

B. F. Perry. 



CoLi'.MBiA, Thursday night. 
My Dear Liz : — I was very much disappointed in not hearing from 
you by the last mail. Mr. Earle came down, however, in the same stage 
and said he supposed you were all well, having heard nothing to the con- 
trary ; but I was sure you would have written to me between Frida)- and 
Monday night. 



To His Wife. 133 

Mr. Ward, Colonel Dunton s clerk, went up m the stage this morn- 
ing, and offered to carry anything I might wish to send up. I had 
already mailed a letter for you and had nothing further to write you. I 
thought of sending up the silver cups and some other little matters, but 
concluded to keep them until I returned myself. I went out to get some 
oranges, but could find none that were good. There are to be some in 
town this evening.' I will bring some with me. 

I have bought two beautiful dumb watches for Will and Anne Cprice 
$1.00). I have also bought a beautiful musical instrument for Will, 
which he can play by blowing in it. I have bought for you a beautiful 
camera obscura in a be'autiful mahogany box (price $4.00). With it, you 
may take landscapes or copy anything. It may sit in the window and it 
reflects everything going on in the streets. I have also bought two very 
handsome pin-cushions made out of shells (price, 31 cents). You see I 
have made a great many purchases of great value. I will keep them all 
till I go up myself. 

In Court I have not done anything since I wrote you last. Mr. Burt 
got the Judges to take up his business, which has occupied them yesterday 
and to-day. He leaves in the morning for Washington. I shall probably 
commence my business in Court again to-morrow. 

I met Mr. Petigru yesterday and he exclaimed: "Why Perry, I 
never saw a man so much improved in my life. How well you look ; you 
grow younger every time I see you." We had a long talk. He thinks 
very poorly of the candidates for Judge. 

I visited the State House to-day for the first time ; it has been most 
beautifully altered and fitted up since last Winter. Colonel Hunt has 
given directions and displayed great taste. I told him the Legislature 
ought to vote him their thanks. He said if they would vote him the 
money to pay for it, he would ask no more. It has cost $12,000. 

I visited the Governor this morning on business in his Executive 
office. He inquired how long I would stay and was very civil, and 
seemed to intimate that he would pay me further civilities, etc. 

I have seen Colonel Memminger, Frost and a great many of the 
members to-day. They all seemed to meet me with great cordiality. 

If Whitner is elected Judge, I think of running for Solicitor ; but the 
election of Whitner is very doubtful. 

Tell John I inquired after his son ; he is out in the country. I .sent 
the letter to his son's mother, and told them to tell Thomas when he came 
up to come and see me. So I find John has two wives, both living. 

I hope you and the children are all well. I shall expect a letter from 
you to-morrow evening with great interest, and if I do not receive one, 
I shall be very uneasy and unhappy. 



134 Letters of Benjamin F. Perky 

I have to write you the night before the mail is made up for Green- 
ville. I have not time to write the same day. 
Write me what >ou wish me to get for j'ou. 

My dear L,iz, good-night. 

B. F. Perry. 
P. S. — Since writing this letter, I have sold my railroad stock to A. 
R. Drayton, for $960. He is to send me a draft for that amount on Mon- 
day next. I am glad to get rid of the stock. I have made something by 
it, and now will be able to pay all my debts. 



Columbia, S. C, Tuesday evening. 

My Dear Lis: — I have time to write you but a few lines. I have my 
hands full. I have been appointed on two committees to examine 
students and have to prepare some two or three hundred questions. I 
have also to prepare for an important case before the Legislature 
to-morrow. 

I am getting tired of Columbia and wish to see j-ou, the children and 
home ver^' much. I will break off, as soon as possible, the finst of next 
week . 

The Court of Appeals delivered opinions to-day in all of my cases but 
two. I gained the case of McBee and Irvine and Hoke, and lost the cases 
of Waddle and Colonel Coleman ; also Cunningham's case and Collins' 
case from Spartanburgh. John Cunningham is now here ; he came down 
last night and the taverns were all full, he could get in nowhere and I 
had to take him in my room. He is sleeping on a pallet on the floor. 
He seems a good deal affected by his conviction. 

I went to college yesterday and saw Bishop Gadsden ; he came up and 
spoke to me, inquired about 30U and your mother, told me he had seen 
Mr. Pinckney, that he had fattened .so he could not wear his old clothes. 
He was on his return to Pendleton. I suppose he is in Greenville by this 
time. 

I saw Colonel Taylor the other day ; he says his children are sick, 
Mrs. Taylor not very well. 

I hope to receive a letter from you to-morrow. 

I have received the money for my railroad stock, S960. The stock 
has since fallen. I am delighted to be out of the scrape. I will now pay 
off Hoke, and if you consent, will get Cox & Markley to make me a 
handsome carriage, buy a match to my horse and henceforth keep a car- 
riage and horses. I shall be able to pay for it. I will get one or two 



To His WiFH. 



135 



hundred dollars out of the money in Hoke's hands for Henning's credi- 
tors. There must be several hundred dollars ready for me in Pickens, 
but more about this matter when I return home. 

I have nothing now to write you except that I bought a dressing 
gown, price $4.50. Nothing else since I wrote last. 

I am, my dear wife, yours truly and devotedly. Good-night. It is 
now past eleven o'clock. Kiss the children. How is poor Anne's arm? 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, S. C, Sunday evening. 

My Dear Liz : — I have been to church this morning like a good 
Christian, as I hope one day to be, and will now spend the evening in 
writing to you, like a good husband, as I hope you will grant me already 
to be. I am a good husband in all things, except that I will not some- 
times 3deld my opinion to yours ; but even in this you afterwards admit 
me to be right, and like a good wife (which I will vow you to be before 
any earthly tribunal), acknowledge yourself to be wrong. 

I witnessed a very interesting spectacle in church this morning. 
Bishop Gadsden confirmed some forty or fifty members, and amongst 
them was Chancellor Harper. When I saw this venerable and venerated 
person approach the altar and bo\vitself amidst the youth and beauty 
which surrounded the Bishop, and when I thought of his high position in 
society, and the great genius and intellect with which he was endowed, 
and the danger in which he once stood of being a hopeless drunkard, I 
could but shed a tear of J03' at what I believed to be his salvation, tem- 
poral and spiritual. There is a purity and simplicity of character about 
Chancellor Harper which I have always admired. If there be anything 
in the character of men which I admire above everything else, it is sim- 
plicity and frankness of character ; they constitute what I term purity of 
character. These Chancellor Harper has in an eminent degree. 

There were a great many confirmed to-day. Dr. Laborde was 
amongst them, also a daughter of Ben Taylor, and I think Mrs. Maturin, 
the wife of the gentleman who wishes to take charge of the Greenville 
Male Academy. Mr. Maturin called to see me the other daj' on the sub- 
ject of the Greenville academies. He is an accomplished gentleman and 
scholar, speaks French, Italian, German, Spani.sh, Latin and Greek. He 
is a fine looking man and his wife is a most beautiful woman (if I am 
right in my conjecture). She was sitting with him. They have two 
children. He is about my age ; she is young, but older than her appear- 



136 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

ance would indicate, judging from the size of her son. I requested 
Maturin to write immediatel}' to Dr. Crook. I think he would be an 
acquisition to Greenville. He is a lawyer and practiced some j-ears in 
New York. He is the son of the Rev. Mr. Maturin, of Ireland, a distin- 
guished author and scholar. 

I saw Mrs. Hayne's eldest son, Alston, yesterday. He has come up 
to apply for admission to the Bar ; said his mother and all friends were 
well, and inquired after j-ou and j-our mother and sisters. He looks thin 
and pale as if he had been studying hard. He appears to be a verj- clever 
young man. 

Colonel Ancrnm and myself formed an acquaintance last night sitting 
together at the supper table. He asked me if I did not marry in Charles- 
ton, and said he knew you and j-our mother very well. I told him I had 
heard you speak of him and especially his sisters. He said his sisters 
were very intimate with your mother's family. 

Judge Richardson stopped me yesterday in the street and paid me 
some handsome compliments for the able and learned arguments which I 
had been making in the Court of Appeals last week. He said he hoped I 
aspired to a seat on the Bench : that he felt concerned about it ; that I 
ought to turn my attention in that direction. He said my arguments 
were admirable ones, well considered, well written and handsomelj- 
delivered. 

It is now proposed to elect two Judges instead of one. If this propo- 
sition is carried, I think General Whitner's chance prettj' good. 

I hope to receive a letter from you this evening and will not close 
mine till to-morrow. The Commencement in College is to-morrow ; no 
Court sitting to-morrow. I hope to be at home the first of next week, 
when I shall truly be overjoyed to meet you and the children, about 
whom I am constantly thinking. Adieu for the evening. 

Yours truly, 

B. F. Perrv. 



CoLi'MBiA, S. C, December 11, 1844. 
My Dear Liz : — I am quite unwell again and have not been able to 
go to church to-day. Mr. Boon, the Chinese Missionar>', preaches in the 
Episcopal Church, and I should have been glad to hear him. It is said 
he has come back to get another wife, and intends returning to China as 
soon as this mission is accomplished. I have also understood that there 
is a Miss Elliot, a sister of Banard Elliot, who wishes to go to China, but 
does not care to go with Mr. Boon. He brought back with him two of 
the Chinese, who are a great curiosity. 



To His Wife. 137 

I shall leave here on Tuesday morning and will be at home Thursday- 
night. It seems to me that I have been a month from home, and I never 
was more anxious to see you and the children. It is altogether a mistake 
to suppose a man takes more pleasure in visiting a lady before than after 
marriage, or that he loves her more before she becomes the head of his 
family. My love for you has gone on increasing from the time I first saw 
you, and I never wished to see you more anxiously than I do at this 
moment. And the dear little children have grown in my afiections. The 
last time I wa.s in Columbia there were only two children for me to kiss 
on my return ; now I have three, and perhaps next Winter we may have 
four. Dear little Frank, how is he ? has he grown much ? Poor little 
Anne, my favorite, how is her arm ? Will is a noble little fellow, and 
some day will make a good man if not a great one. Greatness is of little 
consequence after all. This reminds me of what Colonel Martin told me 
about the death of Albert Rhett. He said that Rhett most bitterly 
lamented on his death-bed that he had thought so much of ambition and 
worldly honors, that they were the merest trash in the world. He deeply 
lamented that he had not encouraged his religious feelings some years 
since when he had them. He said that they had passed away. He 
desired to be placed on his knees in bed, and that he made the most fer- 
vent and eloquent prayer that ever came from the lips of man a few hours 
before his death. 

I shall to-morrow hear the results of my other cases in the Court of 
Appeals, and also know what has been done with my case in the Legisla- 
ture. This will leave me free from business and make me ready to leave 
for home. I must complete my shopping to-morrow also. I have pur- 
chased some lavender water for Anne, and also through a mistake I pur- 
chased some lavender oil, T,jy2 cents worth. I will bring some cocoanuts 
for Anne if I can, but I have no waj- to bring them except in the body of 
my buggy. My trunks will be full. I have bought very few books, 
" Borrow' s Bible in Spain," and also his "Gypsies in Spain," also 
" D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation." 

I hope to hear from you this evening when the Greenville mail comes 
in, but I am afraid I shall not. 

John Cunningham left here this morning for Augusta. Some new 
difficulty has arisen between McGowen and Yancey. McGowen went on 
to challenge him. I dissuaded John from going — I said the difficulty 
would be settled. 

I wrote Pamela a letter this morning saj'ing that it would not be in 
my power to pass by Rosemont on my return home ; that when I got off 
from here I could not stop on the road till I reached Greenville. It would 
delay me one or two days going by Mr. Cunningham's. 



138 LETfERS OK Benjamin F. Perry 

I am at a loss what sort of present to bring Susan and Anne, and I 
expect to bring none at all. I hate to make a present unless it is a valu- 
able one, and I am not able to make that sort of one. I wish I was rich 
so that I might purchase anything I could desire and make you and all 
of my relations presents. God bless you, 

B. F. Perry. 

P. S. — My dear Liz, I thank you for your letter this evening. It was 
brought to me in my room after supper whilst several persons were 
present, and I told them as it was a letter from my wife, they must 
excuse me for opening it whilst they were present. I was truly glad to 
hear you were all well and anxiously look forward to Thursday evening 
when we .shall all be together again. I will excuse you for not having 
written to me oftener. I know the children must trouble you a great deal 
and that you have your hands full. Yours tnil)', 

B. F. Perry. 



Columbia, S. C, vSunday night, Januar>' i.st, 1845. 

My Dear Lis : — We arrived here .safely this evening, and I will 
write you a line before I go to bed. 

The weather to-day was dreadful, sleeting and raining all day. Will 
stood the weather well and has behaved like a little man ever since he 
left home. He is the admiration of all who see him. Dr. Simms, of 
Union, Colonel Summer, of Newbery, and Captain Ward came down with 
us. Will drew from all of them merited compliments on his behavior 
and appearance. At one time, in the stage, he became a little e.xcited bj- 
Colonel Summers, who plagued him about the girls. Will has manifested 
great curiosity at every thing he sees on the road, and reallj- displays 
sense in his questions and remarks. 

We had to get up at Newberj- at three o'clock. I dressed first and 
then woke up Will and dressed him very easily. After getting here this 
evening I dressed and put a clean shirt on Will. He is now in bed and 
talking to me and telling me a great many things to write 3'ou, about the 
bridge, etc., also kiss Anne and Frank, and that they must kiss you for 
him. He reminded me just now about his not having said his prayers, 
and I told him to repeat them in bed. He is now talking to me about 
giants, etc.; he seems as merry as a cricket. His whole expenses to this 
place were 37 '2 cents, so he has cost me little or nothing yet. 

At Laurens I received a bundle from Pamela to you, containing a 
dress and a letter ; she wished you to have the dress dved for her in 



To His Wife. 139 

Charleston, and sent $3.00. vShe supposed from what we said that there 
was no doubt of your going to town. I will attend to the request. She 
wrote pressing us to call on our return ; said her company left on Thurs- 
day, the week after we left, and that she had been unwell ever since. 

I was happy to find that no damage had been done by Yancey and 
Clingman. The papers speak in the highest terms of Yancey's conduct 
and deportment on the occasion. You will see what the Courier says. 
The Mercury praises highly his noble bearing and talents. 

I am afraid we shall have a bad day to-morrow. Will has just been 
inquiring about the steam horse and railroad and has fallen to sleep. 
Colonel Summer says this trip will be worth six months schooling to Will. 
His observation and memory have astounded me. You remember I once 
told you about two white ser\'ant girls in this hotel. I did not know 
Will was present. This evening one of those girls was making up the 
beds and arranging the room when we came up. Will remembered every 
word I had told you, asked if this was the girl who cursed some gentle- 
man, and where the other was ; said he never had seen white servants 
before ; wanted to know if they slept in the kitchen. At the supper table 
he inquired which was Mrs. Maylin, and said he had not yet seen Mr. 
Maj'lin. Whilst we were at the table and after the company had pretty 
well left, the white servants came and sat down. Will remarked that one 
was prettier than the other; he noticed, too, that a little girl behaved 
badlv at table. 

I am sorry that I cannot send Will up to see Mrs. Taylor and little 
William Taylor. I take great pride in showing him off now, and I form 
a higher estimate of his mind as we become more familiar, and also of his 
disposition and manners. He is an uncommon boy, worthy in every way 
of his parents, inheriting their beauty, manliness and sweetness, talents 

and goodness. 

I hope you and the other two little creatures are well. You must 
write me often. I will write you whenever I'can. To-night I have no 
ink, and have to put my pen in the inkstand every two or three words. 

Jim has just brought me a bundle of my speeches neatly folded up 
and sent me from the Chronicle office. I- undid the bundle thinking it was 
one Mr. Taylor had left at the bar for me during the session. 

My ink is so bad I must stop. Good-night. It is eight o'clock and 
Will is sleeping finely. I will join him. We have to get up by half-past 
five, the cars leave half-past six. Kiss the children for me. 
Your affectionate and loving husband, 

B. F. Perry. 

NoTK.— Will was five and a half years old when he made the visit to Charleston, 
alluded to in these three letters. 



140 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

Charleston, S. C, Januarj- 23, 1845. 

My Dear Liz : — I wrote j-ou a letter in Columbia, and I knew you 
would see our arrival announced in the Charleston Courier. I have there- 
fore delayed writing until Will had seen his kinspeople. Your aunt, 
Mrs. Wm. Ed. Hayne, also informed me that she had written to your 
mother. But I did intend writing this evening in time for it to reach you 
Sunday night. This I am disappointed in, I am afraid, although the 
mail does not leave till nine in the morning. 

I woke Will up in Columbia at half past five and we started on the 
railroad at half past six. There were very few passengers in the car and 
we had quite a pleasant trip. Will was all wonder and astonishment at 
the railroad, steam car, etc. Colonel Hampton got into the car at his 
plantation and went with us to Charleston. He was much pleased with 
Will and showed him great attention, took him in his lap and pointed out 
all the curiosities and wonders, and had a good deal of conversation with 
him. The morning after our arrival, I carried Will down to your aunt, 
Mrs. Wm. Ed. Hajne ; they were much pleased with him and insisted on 
his staj'ing with them. He went to see the most of his relations. The 
next morning I called to see him and the little fellow burst into tears and 
sobbed as if he was in great distress. He refused to be separated from 
me any more. I had to walk with him to your aunt's in Meeting 
Street. In the evening I went down and took him to the theatre and he 
staid there until near twelve o'clock in the night. You may know he 
was delighted. In the theatre we met Mr. Fred Rutledge, Mr. Blake and 
Colonel De Treville, who all admired and noticed Will very kindly. This 
morning I carried him down to the bay and on board of two ships and 
showed him the ocean. Mr. Samuel Earle was with us. I dined with 
your Aunt Eliza Will and Susan and myself went to see Mrs. Turnbull 
and Aunt Martha and the Miss Haynes. They all .seem to admire Will, 
and Mrs. Turnbull asked if I would be willing to leave Will until June. 
Will came home with me, and is now h'ing in bed and has been talking 
all the time I have been writing. 

I looked over ^-our mother's papers this morning and found them all 
correct. There is $143.00 interest due on Nonel's bond, which I did not 
know of in Greenville. I have received $30.00 in bank dividends. I will 
get William Edward and Alston Haj'ne to attend to your mother's 
business. 

I have not done much shopping yet. I purchased a piece of carpet 
at $1.23 per yard; 38 yards red and green Venetian, very beautiful and 
exceedingly rich deep colors. Thick rugs like the one you bought of 
Nicol, are $12.00. I bought of Calder, formerly Moffet & Calder, on 



To His Wife. 141 

nj '^ Henry Street. Calder told me he sold j'ou carpeting before. I have 
-^^^ bought a few old books. Eliza is executing your commissions. 

Yesterday I argued my case in Court, but do not know the result. 
It is said it will be referred to the Court of Errors. 

To-morrow I dine with Mr. Yeadon, and the next day with Judge 
King, at whose house all the Judges are to dine. Mr. Petigru seemed 
delighted to see me, and inquired how long I was going to stay, and inti- 
mated that he intended to i4t me before he left the city.(K^^ 

To-night it is raining or I should have carried Will to the circus. 

I do not know exactly when I can leave the city, perhaps not before 
Friday, to-morrow week. I must either leave on next Tuesday or stay 
till Friday. It would not be worth while to start on any other day, as I 
would not meet the stage in Columbia. 

This may be the last letter I shall have the opportunity of writing to 
you before I leave Charleston. I really have had my hands full since I 
have been here, between the Courts, Will, your relations, my acquaint- 
ances, your shopping, etc., etc.; a great deal more so than I had in 
Columbia. In addition to all that, I had the letters and money to deliver 
sent by me, and in doing this I had to run all over town. Then there is 
your mother's interest to look to. 

I hope you and the children are quite well and doing well. Your 
relations inquire after you and the children very kindly, and say Will 
looks like you, like your father, etc. 

Kiss the children for me. Will behaves well. God bless you. 

Yours, etc., 

B. F. Perry. 



Charleston, S. C, Saturday, January 28th, 1845, 9 P. M. 
My Dear Liz .—I have just returned from a very large and most 
magnificent dinner party at Judge King's. All the Judges were present, 
also Mr. Petigru and Colonel Preston and General Harlee. Mrs. King, 
Mrs. Henry King and Miss King were present likewise. I never saw a 
more superb dinner party in my life ; but I will not attempt a description. 
I enjoyed myself remarkably well, seated between Mr. and Mrs. Henry 
King and opposite Judge O'Neal and Mr. Pettigru. I left half after 
eight and went to Mrs. Hayne's for Will, but he had gone to bed and so I 
did not disturb him. He seems unwilling .to stay from me and has 
become more affectionate than ever. The first thing he says in the 
morning is : "I want to sleep with you to-night. Papa." When I leave 



142 Letters of Benjamin F. Perry 

him in the inoniing at your Aunt Eliza's, he takes a cr\- and comes to tell 
me good-b)-e again. He is a most affectionate little fellow, and the admi- 
ration of all his relations and friends. Colonel Martin told me in the 
presence of Mrs. Hayne, that he had written to Mrs. Martin that no 
arrival in Charleston this Winter had caused so great a sensation as that 
of Willie, and your Aunt Eliza said he was the lion of the day. 

I received your letter yesterday and was glad to hear you were all 
well. Your commission in regard to sugar I have executed and more than 
executed. I have purchased 260 pounds of brown sugar and 118 pounds 
of loaf sugar ; the brown sugar at seven cents, and very good, do to 
sweeten .our own coffee, and the loaf at twelve cents. Your mother's 
wine was f i.oo per gallon and her candles twelve cents. Eliza has pur- 
chased all you wrote for with $10.00. In the carpet, I have already done 
as you desired ; a good one, bright colors and no white about it. 

I have made a great purchase of books — rare old ones, Iwe and mis- Lct-^ 
cellaneous — very cheap. The slippers are made beautifully and fit nicely, 
look well and are admired by those who see them. 

I dined with Yeadon yesterday. He lives in superb style and gave 
us a sumptuous entertainment. He gave the dinner to me. At the 
dinner was Bryant, who said to me, on being introduced, that my name 
was verj' familiar to him, and thanked me for my speech in favor of the 
Electoral Bill. 

I met Alfred Huger this morning, who told me he approved of my 
course on the * Hoar question, and that Judge Huger did also. 

Will has had a great many toys presented to him. Your friends and 
my friends inquire after you ver>- kindly, and your relations express a 
great wish to see you. 

I am to go down early in the morning to go to church with Will and 
Eliza and Susan. I am to dine with your Aunt Eliza. I think highly of 
her and her family. She is a woman who possesses a congenial spirit 
with myself I have not yet seen your Aunt Benton and Mrs. William 
Hayne. 

It is now growing late and I must bid you good-night. 
God bless you and the children. 

B. F. Perry. 

Sunday morning. 
I have nothing more to add. The weather has been pretty good. 
Will and myself quite well. Will is delighted with Charleston, and told 

♦Singly and alone he cast a vote not to expel Hoar from the .Slate of S. Carolina who was 
sent by Mass., etc. — llfxt. 



To His Wikk. 143 

Judge Butler yesterday morning that he did not want to go back to 
Greenville then . He woke me up the other night by clasping his little arms 
around my neck and hugging me ; auother morning in bed he commenced 
crying and said he was thinking of home, but it passed off in a minute. 
You never saw a little fellow better satisfied or better behaved . 

My case in Court has been referred to the Court of Errors, and will 
have to be argued over again next Spring in Columbia, so my trip to 
town has not expedited the suit at all. 

I will endeavor to collect what is due your mother on Monday. It 
will be more than I suppo.sed, but the insurance and taxes will have to be 
paid out of it. 

Kiss the children for me. 

B. F. Pekky. 



Extracts froni Governor Perry's Journal. 



July 5th, 1837. — -The 27th of April, I was married lo Miss Elizabeth Frances McCall, the 
niece of General Robert Y. Ilayne. Her father, Hext McCall, was a promising lawyer, who died 
quite young. We were married in Charleston, her native place. The ceremony was performed 
at her home, by Rev. M. Speer — her minister, Rev. Barnwell, being absent. Her relatives princi- 
pally were present. The second day after, we left on the train for .\iken, and from there in 
Judge Earle's carriage to Greenville. On our arrival, a great many persons called to see us, and 
we were honored with a ball. We occupy pleasant rooms at the Mansion House, where we will 
remain until our own house is finished. Since our marriage my time has been most agreeably 
spent in the company of my wife. When not in my office, I am with her. I read to her while 
she works, and in tlie afternoon we take a walk or pay a visit. In this way I have read to my 
wife since our marriage a good many of Miss Edgeworth's Tales, a portion of Virgil, Milton's 
Works, Pope's Rape of the Lock and Essay on Man, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu's Letters, 
Pelham, Great MetroDolis, House of Lords, House of Commons, Conversations of Lady Bless- 
ington with Lord Byron, etc. 

June 26th. — I went to Laurens Court of Equity, was two days absent from my wife, the 
first time I had left her. On my return I thought she looked more beautiful than I had- ever 
seen her. Oh! the pleasure of returning home when there is a 'anfe at that home to greet you. 

July 7th, 1S37. — We did not attend the 4th of July Ball, nor did I go lo the public 
dinner. Lizzy did not wish to attend. We have declined several invitations to private parties. 
I am happy to find that my dear wife is not like some ladies — never happy only when she is in 
a crowd. If there be happiness in this life, it must be found at home. If there be real 
enjoyment it must be in each other's society. As soon a.s a married couple begin to look abroad 
or in company for pleasure, their happiness is gone. 

I have not been so far disappointed in my anticipations of the pleasure and happiness 
of a married life. It is the natural state of man if I might be allowed lo use such an ex- 
pression. The greater part of the world enter into it, and therefore it must be the most 
agreeable. As yet I have experienced none of the cares and disappointments of a wedded 
life. Judging from what I know and see, I confidently anticipate a life of domestic happiness. 

The following is now a candid description of my wife; it is not written with the blind zeal 
of a lover, but in the candor and frankness of my nature. Slie is now eighteen years old, of the 
ordinary height, and weighs about one hundred pounds ; her person is slender and well propor- 
tioned, her figure good. She has light auburn hair, blue eyes, fair and most beautiful com- 
plexion, the bloom of perfect health always to be seen on her cheeks. Her features are of the 
Grecian cast, small and delicate, her forehead high and well turned, the nose, mouth and chin as 
beautiful as can well be imagined. There is a slight defect in the appearance of the upper eyelid 
and brow, except when in conversation, which gives that part of the face rather a pensive look. 
The contour of the face is lovely, and she would be regarded beautiful in any a.ssemblage of 
ladies. In her disposition she has softness and perfect amiability. There is no danger of unhappi- 

(144) 



Extracts from Governor Perry's Journal. 145 

ness from that source. Her nature is kind and affectionate. She is remarkably particular and 
attentive to her dress, and always dresses with great neatness and simplicity. In her dress there 
is no effort at gaudy show and extravagance Her hair is worn in curls down her neck, and 
requires great particularity in keeping it properly. But on this subject she is too particular, more 
attention being paid to her hair than is necessary. This fault will be cured with age, as I believe 
all of her faults will be. Her mind is good, and may be characterized by good sense and a 
<|uickness of perception. She has a retentive memory and recollects well all that she reads or 
that I read to her. Her mind has been pretty well cultivated, though she left school at too early 
a period— fourteen ! She was educated in New Haven, thoroughly, and on her return to 
Charleston, continued her education at hopne. Her manners are pleasant and easy. In conver- 
sation she is modest and unassuming, and in the presence of many persons has but little to 
say, but in conversation with one person always lively and animated. Her voice is one of the 
sweetest and softest I .-■<•/• heard. This expression is made too in honest candor. She sings and 
plays on the guitar most charmingly, though I have but little soul for music. I lielieve her turn 
of mind is inclined towards industry and activity. She has an active mind, a mind that must 
have employment. I said something about her faults. If she has any (and human nature is not 
perfect), they are the faults of a girl of eighteen and will be corrected by age and experience. 

Since our marriage we have been constantly engaged in reading. It is my wish to continue 
it. I wish to read to her all the books which I read myself. And by this means we will improve 
together. I am now engaged in reading to her. At present we have more leisure than it is 
probable we shall have in after life. When we go to housekeeping, there will come the cares 
of a house, next a family of children, and then farewell to leisure time, or time for reading or 
improvement. 

July 9th, 1837. In the foregoing remarks I endeavored to give a sketch of the person, 

character and' manners of my wife. This sketch is badly drawn, for it was done in great haste 
and without a moment's consideration. I will now give an impartial likeness of myself. 

I am thirty-one years old, six feet two inches and one-half higli, and weighing one hundred 
and sixty five pounds. My person is slender and erect, well proportioned and formed for health 
and activity, my features are prominent and manly though not handsome, hazel eyes, long nose, 
high forehead, thin lips, and a good chin. My complexion is rather fair and wants color, though 
of a healthy appearance. I usually wear whiskers which always become a long face like mine. 
In my manners I am plain and unstudied. There is nothing affected in my appearance ; no one 
scorns so much as I do any thing approaching to affectation, and no one admires more than I do 
the simplicity of nature, modesty and unassuming manners. In company I am generally pleasant 
and talkative. When interested I flatter myself that I converse pretty well. The characteristics 
of my mind are good sense and sober prudent judgment. My memory is not very retentive. 
Whilst at school I learnt very fast and could memorize with great rapidity, but I soon forgot what 
I had thus quickly committed to memoiy. I have very little imagination, and not the least turn 
for poetry or music. But I am a great admirer of Milton, Shakespeare, Byron, Scott, Moore, 
Homer and Virgil. I have read those immortal poets with intense interest and admiration. I 
have from the time I was fifteen years old been a very hard student, and few jjersons have read 
more within the last fifteen years than myself. My reading has extended to every branch of 
literature and science. The great fault is that my reading has been without method. History, 
Biography, Natural Philosophy are my favorite studies, especially the two first. 

By nature I am passionate and high tempered, but I have through life endeavored to curb 
my disposition. I am quick in my resentments and equally quick in forgetting and forgl^^ng an 
injury Little things very often irritate and provoke me more than they ought. I am peculiarly 



146 Extracts from Governor Perry's Journal. 

sensitive on most things, and there is no one more tenacious of his rights and honor. In my 
feelings and affections I am warm-hearted, generous and confiding. I think that I have always 
been both in words, thoughts and deeds, liberal, kind and humane. I have a heart which loves 
with prodigality approaching to wildness. 

In my morals I have nothing to reproach myself for. There are very few young men whose 
lives have been so blameless in this respect as my o>vn. It has been a rule wilh me never to 
deviate from the stricttst vtracity in all Ihim^s. From deception and flattery I have ever been 
free. Intoxication, gambling and dissipation I have never known. 

[Note. — The above description does not do my father justice either as to his character, 
manner, mind or appearance. After happiness fell to his lot, he improved in every respect, he 
grew stouter, ,ind became one ' f the noblest men in appearance a good Providence created ; in 
manners he was gifted, his memory was more retentive than he suspected, as his writings prove. 
His friends often remarked to him that he improved every time they saw him. He looked as 
Saul did, superior to all around him. His majestic, grand a]ipearance truly represented the noble 
nature he was endowed with. " We ne'er shall see his like again." He was the most iinsi'lfish 
patriot that ever lived. He would have gladly died for his country to save her from ruin and 
degradation. — Next.'] 

August 13th, 1843. — I had my head examined phrenologically the other day by Dr. Crane, 
a man of Science and I'rofessor of Phrenology. He gave my character entirely and perfectly, 
although a stranger; I had never seen him or he heard of me before. It seemed like unlocking to 
me my bosom. He said my organ of Amativeness was large, and that I was passionately fond of 
the other sex — delighted in the company of ladies. This is very true and my whole life has 
shown it. Before I was married I was very much in the company of ladies and a great admirer 
of them. I le said my organ of Philoprogenitivi'iiess was large 1 had strong parental feelings 
and great solicitude for the happiness of my children, but did not make all children pets or play- 
things as some did. It is entirely true, until I had children of my own I cared very little about 
them. My love for children is mostly confined to my own children — it is a strong parental 
feeling, and no one has it stronger than myself. He said my Iithabitii'eness was strong and 
large, that I was fond of homestead and early reminiscences of home and boyhood ; this is true. 
He said I had .strong and unalterable affections when once placed. My feelings are very strong 
for my friends and hard to be shaken. He said my Combativeuess was large, which gave me 
indomitable perseverance, great courage and ability to overixjwer. That I have perseverance 
very high, my life proves, or I should not have l^een what I am; that I have courage enough to 
fight is true, but he said I had more moral courage than animal courage. I have always said so. 
I do not love to fight or take pleasure in any such excitement as some men do, but let me suppose 
that my honor has been infringed and none will fly to arms quicker. He said my organ of 
Deslnidiveness was moderate, had ability to control the passions and not disposed to extreme 
measures, that I could not willingly inflict pain. This is true — to see anything sufiering in pain, 
is very torturing to my feelings. I can control my feelings and passions. He said my Sdretive- 
ness was full, which gave me a proper reserve and jirudent expression without deceitfulness. This 
is true, I am prudent and reserved, but I hope without deceitfulness. He said my organ of 
Acquisitiveness was full, that I was frugal and industrious, and loved money for what it would 
buy and not for its own sake, that I never would be a rich man, and had none of the miserly 
feeling, that I liked to spend money too well ; this my whole life has proven. He said I had a 
strong relish for food ; that I would view the approach of death wilh firmness, that I would pre- 
pare for danger at a distance and meet it firmly ; that in danger I would have presence of mind, 
at a house burning would act more coolly and be more collected than most persons, that I would 



Extracts from Governor Perry's Journal. 147 

endure pain and would not complain on a sick bed. This is all true ; when my leg was broken 
into fragments in 1835, I never uttered a complaint, but bore it with firmness and fortitude, and 
I do prepare for danger at a distance. I am cool and collected in the midst of danger and have 
shown it lately at a house burning. I meet danger with indifference when I know it is certain 
and inevitable. He told me I wanted tune and colors. It is true I cannot distinguish colors 
well, and as to tune, not at all ; and yet he said I admired paintings and liked music ; this is 
true. He said I had the organ of Conscientiousness more strongly developed than in any head 
he had ever examined before but one. He said the organ of Veneration was strongly developed, 
that I had an intense admiration for all that was good and great. He said my head was a fine 
one, such as phrenologists would greatly admire, and a good deal more he said. He gave me a 
chart which I refer to, and will stop. 



Letter from John M. Lea, President of the Tennessee Historical Society, ex-Judge 
Supreme Court of Tennessee. 

[This beautiful and appreciative letter was received after this book was prepared 

for publication, but to please my mother, who values it more than words can express, 
and who has asked me to insert it in this book, though irrelevant to it, I have com- 
plied with her wish. Such letters encourage my mother in the noble work she has 
undertaken to make my father's grand charadcr known to his descendants, and to 
preserve his memory to future generations as an example of all that was good and 
great in human nature. The book alluded to by Judge Lea is the third series (though 
marked second) of Reminiscences, etc., written by my father.] 

Hext McCai.1, Perry. 

Cumberland Mountains, Mont Eagle, Aug. 20, 1889. 
Mrs. B. F. Perry. 

Dear Madame : — I am under renewed obligations to you for sending to me the 
speeches of your late most eminent and patriotic husband. You have, indeed, 
Madame, conferred both a favor and a benefit upon your country and upon posterity 
by your labor of undying and devoted affection in placing in permanent form the 
utterances in public affairs of a statesman and a patriot. The several volumes con- 
stitute a mass of most valuable information, much of it not elsewhere to be readily 
found, the biographical essays being full of pleasing incidents, all told in an admirable 
style, and in every line, the truth being strictly adhered to, there is exhibited a lofti- 
ness of spirit most creditable to the author. I do not use langua;. merely to please 
when I say that, in my opinion, these volumes constitute a valuable and permanent 
contribution to the political and biographical literature of our country, that they are 
destined to live, and will be read, referred to, and admired by the generations that 
will succeed. 

It is pleasant to me to know, in reference to Warren R. Davis' poetry, that the 
correctness of my youthful taste is confirmed by the opinion of Governor Perry, who 
seemed^anxious to gather the fugitive pieces which flowed from the pen of that gifted 
man. I learned this summer that there was in the Vanderbilt Library a complete set 
of the Southern Literary Messenger, and, if that is so, I am about sure I can find the 
verses of which I have been in search. Should I find the poetry, I will send a copy 
to you. Mrs. President Polk, who well recollects Mr. Davis, told me that he once 
inscribed a few lines to her, but that she had lost the manuscript. 

I note and thank you for the compliment implied in the request that I should 
write a review of these volumes. The infirmity of age is upon me, and I seldom use 
the pen, but when circumstances force me to speak, as sometimes happens in ques- 
tions that come up before the Historical Society, I have on more than one occasion 
referred to the wxitings of Governor Perry in such terms as I thought they deserved, 
and if I thought that a more extended circulation could be given by a regular review, • 

I should not hesitate to undergo the labor. The volume embraces divine subjects, vXf^'^^ 
and a general expression of excellence as to the manner in which the work is done 
appears to me the best and highest commentary. That, my dear Madame, has been 
accomplished by the numerous testimonials which have been addressed to you. 
Likely during the approaching winter an occasion may, and doubtless will arise — a 
discussion of the Winning of the West will bring it up — when I shall avail myself of 
the opportunity to speak of the life and character of Governor Perry, of the great 
services he rendered, and of the greater services he would have rendered had his wise 
admonitions been heeded. 

Allow me to say that my admiration for woman has been confirmed and strength- 
ened by the devotion you have exhibited for the memory of your most excellent 
husband, who, indeed, was worthy of it ; but that does not in the least degree lessen 
the admiration with which all eyes must look upon such a noble picture of imperish- 
able affection. With sincere regard, 

Your friend, 

John M. Le.-v. 



' ' She was his life ; 
The ocean to the river of his thoughts — 
Which terminated all." 



